Navigating Difficult Conversations

West Des Moines, IA US
October 28, 2025
Registration


This is a closed course, and registrations are not being accepted.
 

Description

This highly requested session focuses on building foundational skills for navigating difficult conversations in professional and academic settings. We will begin by exploring what makes certain conversations difficult, and then introduce practical, evidence-based strategies for approaching and managing them effectively. Participants will engage in tabletop practice exercises designed to simulate real-world interactions, encourage reflection, and support skill development.

Difficult conversations are a persistent challenge in faculty life. Whether providing feedback, managing interpersonal conflict, or advocating for change. This session marks the beginning of a series designed to help faculty grow their confidence and competence in this area. The goal is to equip educators with communication tools that improve teaching, leadership, and collaboration across teams and departments.

Learning Objectives

  • List common human responses to difficult conversations and conflict.
  • Discuss strategies to initiate difficult conversations and strategies to respond to difficult conversations others start with you.
  • Engage in tabletop discussions and participate in mock conversations to help practice discussed strategies.
  • Apply communication tools in real academic and clinical contexts to improve feedback, collaboration, and professional relationships.
  • Reflect on one's communication tendencies and identify areas for personal growth and continued practice.

Speaker

Maureen De Armond, JD, SHRM-SCP
Chief Human Resources Officer, Human Resources, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences

Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
  • 1.00 AOA Category 2­A
  • 1.00 CE Contact Hour(s)
  • 1.00 CPME
Course opens: 
10/28/2025
Course expires: 
10/28/2025
Event starts: 
10/28/2025 - 12:00pm CDT
Event ends: 
10/28/2025 - 1:00pm CDT
Cost:
$125.00
Add to calendar: 
Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences
Edge, E4119 - Learning Studio South
West Des Moines, IA 50266
United States

Accreditation Statements

  • DO: Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences (DMU) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. DMU designates this activity for a maximum of 1.0 AOA Category 2-A credits and will report CME and specialty credits commensurate with the extent of the physician’s participation in this activity.
  • DPM: Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences (DMU) is approved by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education as a provider of continuing education in podiatric medicine. DMU has approved this activity for a maximum of 1.0 continuing education contact hours.
  • MD: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Iowa Medical Society (IMS). Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences (DMU) is accredited by the IMS to provide continuing medical education for physicians. DMU designates this live activity for 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
  • Other healthcare providers: This activity is designated for 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.

Educational Grants

No ineligible company provided financial support for this continuing education activity. 

DISCLOSURE

The speaker(s) will disclose if any pharmaceuticals, medical procedures, or devices discussed are investigational or unapproved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The activity director is responsible for determining educational content and selecting speakers.

Relevant to the content of this educational activity, the following individual(s) have no conflict(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

  • Maureen De Armond, JD, SHRM-SCP - Speaker

DISCLAIMER

The information provided in this activity is for continuing education purposes only. It is not a substitute for a healthcare provider's independent medical judgment regarding diagnostic and treatment options for a specific patient's medical condition. 

Available Credit

  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
  • 1.00 AOA Category 2­A
  • 1.00 CE Contact Hour(s)
  • 1.00 CPME

Price

Cost:
$125.00
Please login or Create an Account to take this course.

This is a closed course, and registrations are not being accepted.