Joseph Bianco

Joseph Bianco, PhD is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Social Medicine at Ohio University's Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is also Associate Director of the Barbara Geralds Institute for Storytelling and Social Impact and co-produces the 'Defining Moments' podcast. With a background in clinical psychology and English literature, Dr. Bianco brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to his work at the intersection of trauma, health, and narrative.

Dr. Bianco's research focuses on the effects of psychological trauma on health from complementary perspectives: examining how trauma affects individual health across the lifespan and how healthcare providers identify and cope with challenges imposed by patients with traumatic stress. His work spans multiple contexts including rural Appalachian communities and international settings like Botswana. He has developed innovative approaches to trauma-informed care in primary care settings and schools, with particular emphasis on narrative medicine applications.

His publication record demonstrates consistent productivity across diverse areas including trauma-informed primary care, narrative medicine in medical education, HIV/AIDS mental health, rural health disparities, and cross-cultural trauma research. His work often bridges clinical practice with community-based interventions, reflecting his commitment to translating research into practical applications that improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

Dr. Bianco's scientific contributions include:

• Development of the Open Book Project narrative medicine curriculum for medical students
• Implementation of trauma-informed care training programs for healthcare professionals
• Research on teletherapy effectiveness for older adults with HIV
• Studies on childhood obesity in rural Appalachian communities
• Cross-cultural research on HIV/AIDS stigma in Botswana

As an educator, Dr. Bianco integrates his passion for narrative, storytelling, and the arts into medical education, believing these elements enhance clinical reasoning and patient care. His work demonstrates how narrative competence can foster inclusive healthcare and social justice, preparing future physicians to address complex health challenges with both scientific knowledge and humanistic understanding.