Communication Skills Training for Oncology Clinicians

This two-day intensive live virtual training provides an overview of the importance of effective communication in clinical interactions and emphasizes evidence-based communication skills and strategies to support clinicians in common challenging communication scenarios, particularly in the oncology setting.

The course is comprised of brief didactic lectures as well as small group experiential role plays. Lectures feature exemplary videos, demonstrating the communication skills and strategies taught in the lecture, and present an overview of a "blueprint" or roadmap for navigating challenging communication scenarios. The small group role play exercises are tailored to your clinical population as well as your individual learning goal. Role plays are run by trained facilitators and include interaction with standardized patients which provides you an opportunity practice the communication skills and strategies in a variety of clinically sensitive and relevant situations.  Verbal feedback from peers and facilitators will be given during role play sessions.

The course is being hosted by Memorial Sloan Kettering's Comskil Training Program and Research Laboratory, the nation's first formally structured communication initiative at a comprehensive cancer center.

Who Should Attend 

1. Outline the significance of communication skills training and the rationale for the use of role play in training.
2. Recognize empathic opportunities in clinical encounters and describe the principles of an empathic response.
3. Practice and implement foundational communication skills and process tasks that are necessary and relevant for discussions with patients and families, on the following topics, such as: prognosis; death, dying, and end of life goals of care; and engaging patients and family members in shared decision making for treatment options.

This Training is SOLD OUT!

To register for this program, please complete an application, which is located in the 'Register' tab above. Participants will be notified of their application status approximately two weeks after submission. Approved applicants will receive an email with an acceptance letter and a link to pay (registration fees below). Please note those who are accepted to the program prior to August 1, 2021, will receive a 15% discount. 

Live Virtual Registration Fees (for accepted applicants): 

• Physicians (MDs, PhDs and DOs): $600
• Nurses, PAs and Other Healthcare Professionals: $400
• Residents and Fellows: $300
• Industry Professionals*: $1,050

*Industry professionals may attend MSK CME activities for their own education. Marketing, sales, and promotion of products and services is strictly prohibited at MSK CME activities. For more information, please visit our Help page.

Discounts/Promotions

• A registration discount is available for MSK Alumni, MSK Cancer Alliance, and Cancer Care Partners to attend a MSK CME course. If you are a member of one of these groups, contact [email protected] for details before you submit payment.
• Registration is complimentary for all accepted MSK employees; however, you must complete an application through the 'Register' tab above. If you are registered for this course and are unable to attend, please notify [email protected]. 

Please note that after your payment has been processed, no further promotional discounts or adjustments will be made to your registration.

Cancellation Policy

If you wish to cancel your participation in this course, you must email [email protected] at least seven (7) days prior to the start of the course, and your refund will be subject to a $25 administrative fee. Cancellations or no-shows within seven (7) days of the course are not eligible for a refund. Please note that if it has been more than 120 days since payment was processed, a W9 form must be submitted in order process your refund and your refund will be issued in the form of a check payment. Refunds are not subject to tax. You may substitute another registrant in your place at any time by contacting [email protected] with the appropriate information.

MSK CME reserves the right to cancel or postpone any course due to unforeseen circumstances. In the unlikely event we must cancel or postpone this course, you will be notified via email from MSK CME ([email protected]). A full refund will be issued for your registration. MSK CME is not responsible for any related costs, charges, or expenses to participants, including fees incurred by airline/travel/lodging agencies.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

AMA Credit Designation Statement 

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center designates this live activity for a maximum of 14.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. 

MSK Course Director 

Patricia A. Parker, PhD
Member and Attending Psychologist
Director, Communication Skills Training and Research Program (Comskil)
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

MSK Course Faculty and Facilitators

Smita Banerjee, PhD
Behavioral Science

Philip Bialer, MD
Psychiatry

Eileen Collins
Nursing

Nessa Coyle, PhD
Supportive Care/NP

Jeff Freedman, MD
Psychiatry

Julia Kearney, MD
Pediatrics/Psychiatry

William Rosa, PhD
Psychiatry

Jessica Staley
Behavioral Science

Richard Weiner, APP
Critical Care NP

Talia Zaider, PhD
Psychology

Faculty Disclosures (All Faculty)