1. Who is this course intended for?

The faculty development (FD) course is intended for physicians and/or advance practice providers (including Nurse Practitioners) who have clinical experience with palliative care and who are communication educators in a currently established faculty role.

2. What is the structure of the course?

The faculty development program involves a 2 day face-to-face workshop, distance learning, and a second 2 day face-to-face workshop (spaced approximately 3-6 months apart). The curriculum is geared around our proven teaching methodology, incorporating small group work, learner goal setting, simulated patients and participant feedback. You will leave the course prepared to teach a 1/2 day – full day communication skills course to a small group using simulated patients.  You need to commit to the entire program (both sessions) to attend.

3. What is the enrollment criteria?

1) Participants must currently hold an educational role at their institution that allows them to participate as faculty in communication skills courses.

2) Participants must be active clinicians.

3) Participants must complete a VitalTalk pre-req communication skills course.   (e.g. VitalTalk Mastering Tough Conversations 1/2 or full day,  Oncotalk, Pallitalk, IntensiveTalk, AAHPM-Vitaltalk 1-day pre-conference course,  or Powered By VitalTalk courses led by VitalTalk trained faculty).

You will be asked to provide your course criteria information upon registration, which will be reviewed for suitability. We will review your registration information and we will contact you if we have any questions.

4. What is included in tuition?

Tuition for the course is inclusive of all course days, course day supplies, materials, and meals (breakfast and lunch) and Faculty license fee, which is good for two years per faculty member. This license fee gives you access to documents and resources that will help you plan and run your own course.

Note: Please see below for information specifically relating to additional tuition inclusions for the Aspen Faculty Development courses.

5. What are your tuition due dates and cancellation policies?

Tuition Due Dates: 50% tuition is due upon registration for the course. Full tuition is due no later than 90 days prior to the course.

Cancellation Policy: Our courses are limited to 24 spaces and typically have an extensive waiting list. Given our participants’ need to make advanced scheduling decisions and our wish to accommodate as many people as possible, we have a strict cancellation policy. All requests for refunds MUST be submitted in writing to info@vitaltalk.org. Written requests for refunds will be processed according to the deadlines below:

  • Cancellation email received at least 120 days prior to the first course date – full refund, less a $250 per person administrative fee
  • Cancellation email received less than 120 days but at least 90 days prior to the course – no refund of initial 50% tuition deposit.  However, IF VitalTalk can fill your spot via a waitlist, we will only charge you a $500 per person administrative fee
  • Cancellation email received less than 90 days prior to the course – no refund on full tuition. However, IF VitalTalk can fill your spot via a waitlist, we will only charge you a $500 per person administrative fee.

6. What do I need to know for planning travel?

All participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from the course.

    • The course days typically start at 7:30 or 8am, so we ask that participants arrive the evening before the course starts. For regional courses you can depart anytime after 7pm on the final day of the course. For Aspen courses participants depart the morning after the final course day.
    • Hotel: (see below for Aspen) For regional courses, where possible, we arrange group rates for a block of hotel rooms. We will provide you information to help you make your own hotel reservation and inform you of transportation options.

Note: Please see below for travel information specifically relating to Aspen Faculty Development courses.


Aspen Faculty Development

1. What is included in tuition for Aspen Faculty Development?

Tuition for the Aspen Faculty Development course is inclusive of all course days, lodging and course day meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner). For the Faculty Development course, tuition is also inclusive of the Faculty license fee, which is good for two years per faculty member. This license fee gives you access to documents and resources that will help you plan and run your own course.

2. What do I need to know for planning travel?
All participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from Aspen.

      • We suggest that you fly into Aspen, which has a small regional airport. The Gant hotel is only 10 minutes from the airport. Call the Gant upon arrival (970) 925.5000 and they will send a free shuttle to pick you up.
      • You also have the option of either taking a shuttle or renting a car from Denver and driving to Aspen; plan for 3.5-4 hours drive time.
      • The course days run from 7:30am to 8pm, so we ask that participants arrive the evening before the course starts and depart the morning after the course ends.

Hotel: As outlined in the tuition section, lodging is included for 3 nights based on the above timing. Lodging is typically at The Gant in Aspen, 610 S W End St, Aspen, CO 81611. Accommodations will be in two bedroom condos, and each person will have a private bedroom within a shared condo. We can help you arrange any special hotel requests such as extending your stay. Please note that you can request to stay in a one bedroom condo, but we will ask that you pay for your own lodging. a

3. Can I bring a significant other or family?

Our courses are very intensive. Course days run from breakfast through dinner, therefore while it is your choice if you bring family members along, we highly recommend that you attend on your own. Allow yourself the opportunity to step away from the priorities of daily life and be truly present during the training. It will make for a much better experience, and will enable you to absorb the large amount of content that will be shared.

If you do choose to bring others, it is important to understand that the expectation is that you will not be able to spend time with them during the course days. In addition, you will be responsible for paying for your own lodging if you are bringing a family member; lodging must be at the same location as the training (typically The Gant hotel).