The Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education

Stanford School of Medicine
The Center for Compassion And Altruism Research And Education

CWH FAQs

What is the difference between Compassion & Wellbeing in Healthcare and Compassion Cultivation Training for Physicians and Psychologists?

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The Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education > CWH FAQs

Which compassion course is right for me?

Both courses help you develop compassion and self-compassion. The difference is what you want to focus on and how you hope to apply what you learn.

Compassion & Wellbeing in Healthcare (CWH)

For those looking to bring compassion into their healthcare work and navigate its everyday challenges through practical tools grounded in the Stanford Model of Occupational Wellbeing.

What you’ll gain:

      • Practical compassion and self-compassion skills for demanding healthcare environments.
      • Tools to navigate workplace stress, emotional demands, and the challenges of caring for others.
      • A better understanding of how personal wellbeing connects with workplace culture and organizational systems.
      • Opportunities to reflect on meaning, connection, and professional fulfillment in healthcare.

Choose CWH if: You want practical compassion-based tools specifically connected to your experience working in healthcare.

Continuing Education Credits are available for eligible participants.

Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT) for Physicians and Psychologists

For those interested in the original science and practice of compassion developed at Stanford CCARE, with a structured approach to deepening compassion for themselves and others.

What you’ll gain:

      • A structured, meditation-based approach to cultivating compassion and self-compassion.
      • Guided practices to strengthen awareness, emotional regulation, and connection with others.
      • Opportunities for reflection and shared learning with fellow physicians and psychologists.
      • Foundational skills you can apply across your personal and professional life.

Choose CCT if: You want to explore the original Stanford CCARE approach and develop a consistent compassion practice that extends beyond your professional role.

Continuing Medical Education Credits are available for eligible participants.

Still deciding?

Both courses help you cultivate compassion and self-compassion. The main difference is where you want to focus your learning:

  • CWH: How can I practice compassion while navigating the realities of working in healthcare?
  • CCT: How can I cultivate compassion more intentionally in my everyday life, including my work?

Neither course is inherently more advanced. The best choice depends on your interests and what you hope to gain.

Are grants or scholarships available?

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The Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education > CWH FAQs

Yes. A limited number of scholarships are available to help make the course accessible to participants who might not otherwise be able to attend. Scholarships may cover 50% to 100% of tuition, and we anticipate awarding scholarships to approximately 15% of participants. Applications are accepted until two weeks before registration closes. Learn more about and apply for a scholarship here.

If you are interested in supporting access for others, we welcome donations to our scholarship fund. As a nonprofit program, 100% of scholarship donations go directly toward helping participants who would not otherwise have the financial resources to participate. To learn more, please contact compassioneducation@stanford.edu. We are grateful for your support.

I want to register, but will need to miss a class or two – is that ok?

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The Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education > CWH FAQs

Participants are strongly encouraged to attend all sessions, as each class builds on the previous one. The course includes teachings, guided practices, interactive exercises, and group discussions that are central to the learning process. Attending consistently helps participants get the most out of the experience.

Unexpected things come up, and we understand that participants may need to miss a class. That said, each session builds on the previous one, so missing more than one class can make it harder to follow the material and get the full benefit of the course. To receive a certificate of completion from Stanford University, participants may miss no more than one class.

Classes will not be recorded.

Who is this course for?

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The Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education > CWH FAQs

Compassion & Wellbeing in Healthcare is for clinicians and healthcare workers who are providing direct clinical, mental health, or case-based support to people experiencing illness, crisis, or suffering.

It is designed for healthcare professionals who want to strengthen their well-being, resilience, and sense of meaning at work. If you have ever felt emotionally exhausted, disconnected, or caught between the care you want to give and the care you are able to give yourself or others, this course was built with you in mind. It is designed to meet you where you are. No prior experience with meditation or contemplative practice is required. This course is approved for 12 CEs for social workers, psychologists, LMFTs, and nurses.

Registration is subject to confirmation of eligibility, and we may contact you for additional information about your current role.

For physicians and psychologists: CCARE will offer Compassion Cultivation Training for Physicians and Psychologists starting in January 2027. That course will offer CME credits and may be a good fit for those seeking credit or a dedicated space with peers in similar roles. Those who are not seeking CME credits are welcome to take Compassion & Wellbeing in Healthcare if it better fits their needs or schedule.

For non-healthcare workers: Learn more about Cultivate a Compassionate Heart.

Do you know someone in healthcare who might benefit from this course? We’d appreciate you sharing it with them. You can send them this website or this PDF flyer.

What is Compassion & Wellbeing in Healthcare?

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The Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education > CWH FAQs

Compassion & Wellbeing in Healthcare is an eight-week course offered through Compassion Education at Stanford CCARE (CESC). The course is informed by ongoing research from the Stanford WellMD & WellPhD Center, including the Occupational Fulfillment Model, which explores the factors that help healthcare professionals thrive at work. Rooted in contemplative practice and neuroscience, this course offers evidence-based tools to cultivate self-compassion, strengthen resilience, and support professional fulfillment and well-being. Learn more here.

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