PedsTalk

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Join the Conversation

PedsTalk is the UW Department of Pediatrics' communication training program, built on the nationally-acclaimed VitalTalk model and adapted for pediatrics. It equips clinicians to facilitate honest, empathic conversations especially in the setting of serious illness. By strengthening communication skills, PedsTalk helps clinicians provide better care, reduce bias, promote trust, and reconnect with meaning and purpose in their work.

PedsTalk is utilizing simulation-based workshops, interactive trainings, and bedside teaching and coaching to help clinicians grow their skills. More than just individual training, PedsTalk is about shifting our culture making honest, empathic conversations a core part of how we care for patients, families, and each other.

Participants build practical skills in:

• Navigating difficult conversations with families
• Exploring goals, values, and preferences to guide care
• Addressing conflict with empathy and clarity
• Collaborating across teams for safer, more equitable care

PedsTalk is led by over 20 faculty from 11 different divisions.

“I am grateful for the emphasis put on clear, compassionate, and effective communication and productive approaches to learning these skills. While certain aspects of communication may come more naturally to some people, the methodologies of this program benefit everybody. I truly believe that these communication skills are positively affecting patients and their families, interdisciplinary team members, and individual providers, and broader dissemination of this program is an investment that is priceless in nature.” -PedsTalk Participant

Division-Specific Training

The PedsTalk team is proud to partner with Division or Program leaders and champions to bring your group a communication training program that is tailored to your specific challenges and learning goals.

Thus far, PedsTalk has offered or is in the process of creating specific trainings for faculty from

• Critical Care Medicine
• Cardiac Critical Care Medicine
• Emergency Medicine
• Neonatology

Please reach out to PedsTalk@seattlechildrens.org if you’d like to discuss training opportunities for your group! 

PedsTalk MOC Course

The PedsTalk Maintenance of Certification (MOC) course is designed to help you strengthen your communication skills while earning MOC credit. Whether you’re new to PedsTalk or already participated in a workshop, there’s a pathway for you.

How It Works

Step 1: Attend a Workshop

• If you haven’t taken a PedsTalk simulation-based workshop yet, start with our MOC workshop to build your foundational skills.
• If you’ve already participated in a PedsTalk workshop through your division or elsewhere, you can jump right into the MOC program.

Step 2: Join the Meetings

• The course includes three, hour-long group meetings where you’ll share experiences, reflect on communication challenges, and apply practical tools in a supportive learning community.

Step 3: Reflect Between Sessions

• Between meetings, you’ll complete short self-assessment surveys to reflect on your communication and teaching. These reflections will guide your growth and help track your progress toward MOC credit.

Ready to Join?

We are currently enrolling for Cohort 3 (all virtual).  Space is limited. If you are interested, save all dates and complete the MOC Enrollment Form.

Questions?

Contact PedsTalk@seattlechildrens.org