Free Virtual Training Available on Serious Illness Communication

August 20, 2026

The Center for Advancing Serious Illness Communication (CASIC) is offering physicians a comprehensive training series in July and August, that will introduce them to serious illness communication, and to the Serious Illness Conversation Guide (SICG). This evidence-based, patient-tested tool was developed by Ariadne Labs, a joint center for health systems innovation at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.    

This no-cost, CME-eligible training is available to members of care teams who work with patients with serious illnesses. First, trainees will take a prerequisite sequence of three on-demand, online modules.    

• Part 1: Serious Illness Conversation—An Introduction (.25 credit)    

• Part 2: The Serious Illness Conversation Guide (.5 credit)    

• Part 3: Implementing Serious Illness Communication (.25 credit)    

Upon completion of the modules, trainees will take part in a live, virtual three-hour classroom training session (3 credits) where they will:    

• Experience the SICG as part of a structured approach for ensuring the delivery of serious illness conversations.    

• Practice the communication skills necessary to use the SICG, receive feedback to improve those skills, and integrate these skills into your practice.    

The next training sessions will take place on:    

• Wednesday, September 16, 12:45 to 4:30 pm 

• Tuesday, September 29, 12:45 to 4:30 pm 

• Thursday, October 8, 12:45 to 4:30 pm 

• Thursday, October 29, 12:45 to 4:30 pm 

Space is limited and must be reserved and confirmed in advance. For more information and to register, please contact Lori Brostrom, CASIC executive director.    

CASIC is a joint project of the MMA and the Minnesota Hospital Association.    

Accreditation statement: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the Minnesota Medical Association and the Minnesota Hospital Association. The Minnesota Medical Association is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.     
 
AMA credit designation statement: The Minnesota Medical Association designates this live activity for a maximum of 3 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.     
 
Disclosure to learners: None of the individuals in control of content for this educational activity have relevant financial relationships to disclose with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. This activity did not receive commercial support from an ineligible company.