BECOME A CERTIFIED MEDICAL HARM COMMUNICATOR
When Harm Happens, Communication Matters.
Comms Corps’ Certified Medical Harm Communicator (CMHC) certification program is the only certification designed to help healthcare professionals navigate harm events through communication—not legal defense. We empower healthcare professionals with practical skills to connect, reassure, and rebuild trust with patients and families after things do not go well in their medical care.
Become a Certified Medical Harm Communicator
Led by healthcare communication expert Leilani Schweitzer, the Comms Corps Certified Medical Harm Communicator (CMHC) training is an evidence-based online program that equips providers with the confidence and skills to navigate conversations about medical harm with honesty and responsibility. Through practical guidance and proven strategies, participants learn to acknowledge difficult situations, support patients and families, and foster trust—even in moments of crisis.
Additionally, participants in the CMHC program can earn Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, ensuring they meet professional development requirements while enhancing their ability to manage difficult conversations with compassion and transparency.
*4.5 continuing medical education (CME) credits can be earned by: Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Pharmacists, Dentists, and Social Workers, across all 50 states.
Why it matters:
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Studies consistently show that communication breakdowns—not the severity of the error itself—are a leading factor in patients' decisions to file malpractice claims. Research finds that patients often pursue legal action not simply because of harm, but because they felt ignored, misled, or disrespected during and after their care.
Mazor KM, Simon SR, Gurwitz JH. Communicating With Patients About Medical Errors: A Review of the Literature. Arch Intern Med. 2004;164(15):1690–1697. doi:10.1001/archinte.164.15.1690 -
Silence following a medical harm event can significantly erode patient trust and elevate the risk of litigation. Research indicates that when healthcare providers fail to disclose errors, patients are more likely to pursue legal action.
Allen Kachalia, Samuel R. Kaufman, Richard Boothman, et al. Liability Claims and Costs Before and After Implementation of a Medical Error Disclosure Program. Ann Intern Med.2010;153:213-221. [Epub 17 August 2010].doi:10.7326/0003-4819-153-4-201008170-00002
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Research consistently shows that compassionate communication fosters trust between healthcare providers and patients, which is crucial for both emotional healing and reducing the risk of legal action. Studies have demonstrated that patients who experience transparent, empathetic communication from their healthcare providers are less likely to pursue litigation, as it enhances satisfaction and mitigates feelings of betrayal or neglect (Gallagher et al., 2003; Kachalia et al., 2010).
Leilani Schweitzer
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
After losing her son Gabriel due to medical errors, Leilani has dedicated her career to improving harm response in healthcare. As Assistant Vice President for Communication & Resolution at Stanford Healthcare, she pioneered programs for over a decade that transformed how institutions engage with harmed patients and families.
Her story, and her work have been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, TEDx, and more. Leilani continues her work to shape healthcare policy, advising global organizations on transparency, disclosure, and patient safety.
Transform healthcare communication
— one conversation at a time.
Drawing on years of experience with harmed patients, families, and healthcare professionals—and grounded in extensive published research—this curriculum provides essential training for health care profressionals. The Certified Medical Harm Communicator training equips nurses, physicians, risk managers, and support staff with the skills to:
Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Gain the confidence to know what to say (and what to avoid) when speaking with patients and families after a harm event.
Stay Calm Under Pressure
Develop strategies to de-escalate tense situations, show genuine concern, and maintain emotional resilience.
Build Trust & Minimize Risk
Use clear, empathetic communication to prevent misunderstandings and reduce legal exposure.
Champion Transparency &
Patient Safety
Foster a culture of honesty, accountability, and trust within your health care team.
Gain practical skills you can apply immediately—because more compassionate conversations create better outcomes- for patients, their families, and practitioners.
Real Experience, Real Impact
“Many harmed by their healthcare understandably feel betrayed; Leilani Schweitzer instead chose to leverage her firsthand experience to improve clinical medicine. To help the medical community see and feel what patients harmed by their care see and feel. She has years of risk management experience, teaching others the value of, and keys to compassionate and honest communication following adverse events. Leilani has an uncommon grasp of human nature coupled with a deep respect for healthcare professionals’ dedication to their patients and shares her insights with authenticity, sincerity and clarity.
I have worked with patient safety and communication consultants and patient advocates around the country, but none who deliver the benefit of her hard-learned wisdom as clearly as Leilani does. The value she offers is unparalleled in the arena of communication following unintended clinical outcomes.”
— Richard Boothman, JD
Former Chief Risk Officer
University of Michigan Health
“My perspective on communication in the healthcare space has been fundamentally shaped by my work Leilani Schweitzer. Before working with her, I was skeptical apologies and explanations could meet the needs of everyone involved in adverse medical events. Now I know accountability and compassionate responses are vital for improving patient safety. Her passion for greater disclosure and transparency changed the purpose and direction of my life.”
— Cheryl De Kleine Callaghan, Esq.
Vice President Clinical Risk Management, Claims & Litigation
Ascension
Confidence in Communication:
A Post-Harm Engagement Guide
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE CHECKLIST
Download our practical, step-by-step guide to help healthcare professionals navigate difficult conversations with empathy, clarity, and confidence. This free checklist, offers essential actions and reminders to support meaningful, compassionate engagement following an adverse event.
