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Background In 2019, postgraduate deaneries were required to introduce a formal teaching programme addressing aspects of the new internal medicine training (IMT) curriculum with more emphasis on patient-centred care. CoMPaSs (COmmunication of Medicine in PAlliative SituationS) was designed as part of teaching reform to address key elements and innovatively meet the needs of the IMT curriculum.Method CoMPaSs was designed using the ethos of realistic experiential learning. The course consists of 18 colour-coded scenarios of increasing complexity, fully mapped to the palliative care and communication components. The course was modified in response to trainee and faculty feedback. Data around self-reported confidence and knowledge were collected, and the impact of the course on trainees’ learning and development was evaluated between February 2020 and June 2023.Results Feedback demonstrated overwhelming support for the course. Trainees reported significant gains in confidence and knowledge alongside a positive learning experience, attributed to the realistic scenarios and real-time feedback.Discussion CoMPaSs is a cost-effective experiential learning intervention that delivers a significant proportion of the new IMT curriculum and completely encompasses CiP8 (Capability in Practice). It encompasses the communication and palliative care competencies required for the Annual Review of Competency Progression panels and is adaptable for implementation across a broad range of postgraduate schools.