Center for Compassionate Communication
- Get to Know Us
- UC San Diego Health: Sanford Compassionate Communication Academy Fellowship
- Center for Compassionate Communication Affiliate Faculty (CCCAF)
- Communication Training
- Get Involved
UC San Diego Health: Sanford Compassionate Communication Academy Fellowship
The Sanford Compassionate Communication Academy Fellowship is composed of physicians, nurses, APPs, and artists working together, with the mission to rewire the way they approach compassionate communication. We apply arts and humanities lessons to medical communication training, improving communication between physicians and patients, and among healthcare teams. These skills have a wide range of applications including communication with policy makers, the public and the media.
Become a Fellow
We are recruiting Fellows for the UC San Diego Health: Sanford Compassionate Communication Academy Fellowship Fall 2025 cohort. Limited spots available and rolling admission process. Please submit application early.
About the Fellowship
Our teaching style
We believe that communication training is best taught by facilitators who have stood in the shoes of their learners. Our fellows participate in a longitudinal 60-hour training process that enriches their ability to connect and communicate with patients and teams. This path of personal growth culminates in an important facilitation practicum to arm our fellows with the confidence and skills to implement and facilitate workshops to others in their respective departments.
Our curriculum format
- Immersive in-person sessions (see 2025 schedule below)
- Synchronous zoom sessions with our faculty and your cohort
- Asynchronous online learning
Participants have described the process as being revelatory to their connection with medicine, and they've experienced discoveries on both personal and professional levels.
Fellow Stories
Hear testimonials from past Fellows on how the Sanford Compassionate Communication Fellowship has impacted their professional and personal lives.
Artist Stories
Hear two artist fellows share their unique experience in the Sanford Compassionate Communication Fellowship — and why they call it "life-changing!".
Nominate a Fellow
Do you know someone who could benefit from the UC San Diego Health: Sanford Compassionate Communication Academy Fellowship? Nominate a fellow today by filling out our quick form. It should only take 3 - 5 minutes to complete.
2025 Fellowship Training Breakdown
Fall Cohort Dates At-a-Glance (September - December 2025)
- Step 1: Foundations Course
September 10 - 11 • 2 days (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.), in-person - Step 2: Asynchronous Learning (Approximately 5 hours)
- Step 3: Media Interview Course
1 day either October 1, 2, 3 • 2 hours (8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.) via Zoom
- Step 4: Applications Course
October 29 - 30 • 2 days (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.), in-person - Step 5: Facilitation Practicum & Graduation
December 10 - 11 • 2 days (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.), in-person
Meet our 2025 Fellows
We believe each of our Fellows offer so much as they grow into the next generation of compassionate communication leaders in their UC San Diego departments and beyond. Get to know them and see how the Fellowship impacts their area of medicine and study.
Connect With Us
Interested in engaging with the Center for Compassionate Communication? Contact us today and a team member will be in touch with you as soon as possible.