HepatoTalk: Navigating Difficult Conversations Between Clinicians, Patients, and Families

Nov 08 2025
Convention Center: Salon GH, Level 1
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM

World Class Speakers

CW
Presenter

Christopher Woodrell, MD

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Cristal Brown, MD
Presenter

Cristal Brown, MD

University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School
Amar D Bansal, MD
Presenter

Amar D Bansal, MD

University of Pittsburgh
Seren M Gedallovich, MD
Presenter

Seren M Gedallovich, MD

Stanford University
Claudio Tombazzi Jr, MD
Presenter

Claudio Tombazzi Jr, MD

Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Peter Salam Beah, MD
Presenter

Peter Salam Beah, MD

Northwell Health
AF
Moderator

Alison Faust, MD, MHS, FAASLD

Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Arpan Patel, MD PhD
Moderator

Arpan Patel, MD PhD

University of California, Los Angeles

Description

This interactive session provides clinicians a unique opportunity to both learn and practice evidence-based skills for handling tough conversations they may experience with patients and families. Presenters first review evidence-based approaches for common communication challenges (eg, delivering serious news, handling uncertainty, responding to emotions), discuss key phrases, and model ideal and less-than-ideal encounters. Participants then break into small groups to practice core serious illness communication skills using standardized patient encounters and receive in-the-moment feedback from experts. Presenters lead a group reflection to conclude the session.

Presentations

3:45 PM - 3:55 PM
Nov 08 2025
San Diego, CA

Overview of Best Practices for Serious Illness Communication

Amar D Bansal, MD, Presenter
3:55 PM - 4:05 PM
Nov 08 2025
San Diego, CA

Live Demonstration of Best Practices for Serious Illness Communication

Christopher Woodrell, MD, Presenter
4:35 PM - 4:45 PM
Nov 08 2025
San Diego, CA

Large Group Reflection

Cristal Brown, MD, Presenter
12:51 PM - 12:51 PM
Nov 08 2025
San Diego, CA

Small Group Practice -- All Presenters

Seren M Gedallovich, MD, Presenter
Claudio Tombazzi Jr, MD, Presenter
Peter Salam Beah, MD, Presenter

Objectives

  • List key phrases clinicians can use to help with delivering prognosis information, managing uncertainty, and responding to emotions during challenging conversations.
  • Discuss evidence-based approaches for dealing with communication challenges commonly encountered in clinical practice.