University of Mississippi Medical Center hosted Julie Locher, Ph.D., for the Forge AHEAD November seminar where she presented on the importance of effective and inclusive language in scientific communication. Her talk, “Words Matter: Effective and Appropriate Scientific Communication,” highlighted the need for person-first language, cultural humility, and careful terminology when referring to diverse populations and health conditions. Dr. Locher provided valuable guidance on avoiding outdated or stigmatizing terms and shared strategies for researchers to engage with communities respectfully and clearly.