Justin Nathaniel Baker

Justin Nathaniel Baker is the Deborah E. Addicott - John A. Kriewall and Elizabeth A. Haehl Family Professor of Pediatrics at Stanford University School of Medicine. He serves as Chief of the Division of Quality of Life and Pediatric Palliative Care, Director of the Quality of Life for All (QoLA) Program, and Associate Chief Quality Officer for Patient Experience and Holistic Care at Stanford.

Dr. Baker completed his medical education at the University of Texas School of Medicine at San Antonio (2001), followed by residency in Pediatrics at the University of Texas Health Science Center (2004), and a fellowship in Hematology/Oncology at St. Jude's Research Hospital (2007). He is board certified in Pediatrics (2004), Pediatric Hematology-Oncology (2009), and Hospice and Palliative Medicine (2019).

As a Pediatric Oncologist and Palliative Care Physician, Dr. Baker's research focuses on ethical considerations in Phase I clinical trials, AYA palliative oncology care, end-of-life decision making, grief and bereavement, and integrating palliative care into ongoing cancer treatment for children. His work emphasizes patient-reported outcomes and pain/symptom control in pediatric oncology, addressing the distress experienced by children with advanced cancer and their families.

His recent publications demonstrate expertise in prognostic communication strategies, emotional support in advanced childhood cancer, integrative medicine utilization in comprehensive cancer centers, spiritual care in oncology settings, and global mapping of children's palliative care development. The research reveals consistent themes around improving communication quality, addressing emotional needs, and expanding access to palliative services globally.

Dr. Baker has authored approximately 300 academic works and has received significant extramural funding for his research. He is a recognized global expert and leader in Pediatric Palliative Care with clinical focus areas including Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Pediatric Oncology, and Global Pediatric Palliative Care.

As an educator, Dr. Baker previously served as Director of the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program at St. Jude for over a decade, mentoring numerous trainees in the field. He currently holds appointments as Professor in the University Medical Line and as a Member of the Maternal & Child Health Research Institute (MCHRI).