DESCRIPTION OF PRESENTATION: • Introduction and goals for workshop: Dr. Rameshwari Tumuluru + Dr. Traci Kennedy (5 minutes) Connecting Across Generations Through Effective Communication is an interactive workshop for faculty, staff, and trainees working in academic, research, and clinical environments. Rather than focusing on generational “gaps,” this session reframes differences as opportunities to strengthen communication, professionalism, and to improve team cohesion. Through guided discussions, real-world vignettes, and facilitated conversation, participants will explore how generational perspectives shape communication styles, expectations, emotional expression, and norms of professionalism—particularly during high-stakes or challenging interactions. This workshop introduces practical strategies for bidirectional communication to deliver/seek feedback and set expectations to foster respectful and productive works spaces. Emphasizing cultural humility, the session will increase the confidence of participants to develop effective approaches to engage in difficult conversations to increase collaboration and engagement across multi-disciplinary teams. After the presentation of each vignette, there will be a breakout discussion and the opportunity for a larger group discussion. • Vignette 1 + Facilitator (20 min): Feedback in Hallway/Public Space Scenario: A faculty member and trainee interpret the delivery of constructive feedback differently, creating unintended tension and impacting the trainee's participation. • Vignette 2 + Facilitator (20 min): Navigating Flexibility and Collaboration Scenario: Differing expectations regarding remote work, collaboration, and workplace flexibility create potential barriers to trust and effective teamwork. • Vignette 3 + Facilitator (20 min): Engagement or Distraction? Scenario: Differing expectations regarding technology use during clinical meetings create assumptions that affect trust and collaboration. • Audience Q&A/Wrap-up Discussion: (20 min) • Ending Comments and reminders for post presentation survey: Dr. Rameshwari Tumuluru (5 minutes)

Disclaimer Statement

The information presented at this CME program represents the views and opinions of the individual presenters, and does not constitute the opinion or endorsement of, or promotion by, the UPMC Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences, UPMC / University of Pittsburgh Medical Center or Affiliates and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.  Reasonable efforts have been taken intending for educational subject matter to be presented in a balanced, unbiased fashion and in compliance with regulatory requirements. However, each program attendee must always use his/her own personal and professional judgment when considering further application of this information, particularly as it may relate to patient diagnostic or treatment decisions including, without limitation, FDA-approved uses and any off-label uses.