Compassionate Communication Virtual Workshop Series - Multiple Dates

UC San Diego’s Center for Compassionate Communication proudly presents the Fall 2025 Compassionate Communication Virtual Workshop Series 📢

This free, skills-based program is specially designed for health care professionals, medical educators, and researchers. Through interactive sessions, participants will learn how to communicate with greater compassion—and, in turn, greater effectiveness—with patients, healthcare teams, medical trainees, and beyond.

Fall 2025 Workshop Schedule:

Understanding the Value and Importance of Mediation Skills in communication with Dr. Rosezetta Bobo and Dr. Lisa McBride
📅 Tuesday, September 16, from 8 - 9:30 a.m. (PT)

This session introduces the fundamental principles of mediation, offering an overview of key concepts. While it does not certify participants as mediators, it serves as a practical guide for effective communication and conflict resolution. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the mediation process, enhance their communication and listening skills, learn strategies for resolving conflicts, and recognize when mediation is an appropriate tool for managing difficult conversations.

Let’s Talk: Media Interviews with former VP of CBS News, Marcy McGinnis
📅 Tuesday, October 14, from 8 - 9 a.m. (PT)

Do the words “media interview” send you running for cover? Have you ever been interviewed by a reporter and afterward said, “Never again”? Do you wish you understood more about the skills necessary to perform well in an on-camera interview? Media interviews do not have to be this difficult. ​In this webinar led by Marcy McGinnis, veteran CBS News broadcast executive, you will learn how to prepare for media interviews with various audiences and get camera-ready in an inclusive, supportive environment.

Raise Your Voice: How to write op-eds and letters to the editor with journalist and founding director of the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, Elizabeth Bass
📅 Thursday, November 6, from 8 - 9 a.m. (PT)

Op-ed columns and letters to the editor offer an easy way to make yourself heard by the wider world. In these short pieces of writing, you can use your expertise and your credentials to provide accurate information, correct errors (or lies), and advocate for policies you support. It’s a public service — and it can be fun to do!

Hearing Myself Think: In the belly of the whale, with poet Thomas Dooley
📅 Thursday, December 4, from 8 - 9 a.m. (PT)

Hearing Myself Think is an interactive workshop that provides perspective, healing, and community building. Run by poet Thomas Dooley, participants will understand the value of analogy and reflection to help communicate across differences. We will engage as a cohort in writing and discussion, so we urge you to find a quiet and private space for the session. This is a moving experience that we hope will provide you with both insight and wellness. Physicians and nurses at various medical centers and hospitals have been impressed with the value of Thomas’ facilitation and the impact of his sessions.

Get a sneak peek into our Compassionate Communication Virtual Workshops ⤵️