Hospitals, private practices and medical universities provide their staff with extensive job specific training, yet little, if any, effective conflict management strategies. This is surprising considering the profession of medicine involves considerable human interaction on a variety of issues.  When confronted by difficult patients, their families and even coworkers many people are forced to rely upon “Hit and miss” verbal strategies. Verbal Judo is a tactical communications course that stresses the importance of the professional mindset (never lose your temper), as opposed to personal mindset (using words that rise readily to your lips).  We teach our students the skills necessary to become an effective communicator – enabling them to “say it right the first time.”  Verbal Judo can greatly improve life both professionally and personally.