Free CME Webinar: Words matter—Reducing bias in clinical communication
December 22,
2025By Physicians for a Healthy California Health Equity
The words clinicians use every day—in conversations with patients and in the medical record—have a powerful impact. Language that casts doubt on patient experiences, implies blame, or defines individuals by their conditions can unintentionally increase shame, reinforce bias and undermine treatment engagement.
On January 29, 2026, at 12 p.m., the California Medical Association (CMA) is hosting a live webinar “Words Matter: Removing Biased and Stigmatizing Language from Clinical Communication,” that will examine how stigmatizing language disproportionately affects patients with diabetes, obesity, substance use disorders, and chronic pain, and how these patterns can influence provider perceptions and patient outcomes.
Designed to build awareness while offering practical, real-world solutions, the presentation will help clinicians identify common forms of biased language and replace them with neutral, respectful alternatives that support patient-centered care and help reduce health care disparities.
The live webinar is eligible for one AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM and is free for CMA members and their staff, and $35 for all other interested parties.
Register today at cmadocs.org/events.
The California Medical Association (CMA) is accredited by Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The California Medical Association designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.