In this powerful conversation, Jerome and Julienne speak with Dr. Neal Baer—award-winning television showrunner, physician, and educator—whose career has spanned medical dramas like ER and Law & Order: SVU to pioneering a graduate program at Harvard that fuses storytelling and health. Dr. Baer reflects on how his personal journey—particularly coming out later in life—has shaped the narratives he brings to the screen and the classroom.

He shares stories about shaping public perceptions of HIV through characters on ER, introducing groundbreaking health messaging like U=U on Designated Survivor, and mentoring students who are transforming public health through narrative, art, and data.

Key Takeaways

• Leaders and storytellers can create change by pairing emotion with data and action.
• Personal stories and cultural context help bridge gaps in healthcare access and understanding.
• Great storytelling often emerges from personal struggle, risk, and lived experience.
• Storytelling is not just educational or entertaining—it’s how we know we matter

• Books by Neal Baer:
  • The Promise and Peril of CRISPR – Buy on Amazon
• Health & Storytelling Resources:
  • Harvard Medical School’s Master’s Program in Media, Medicine, and Health
• Referenced Work and Contributors:
  • Under the Skin by Linda Villarosa
  • New York Times Magazine article by Villarosa on HIV in the U.S. South
  • Wildhood by Barbara Natterson-Horowitz and Kathryn Bowers
  • Studs Terkel – Working
  • Doris Sommer – Professor at Harvard on narrative and social change

Learn More About Dr. Neal Baer

• Harvard Faculty Profile:
  ghsm.hms.harvard.edu/faculty-staff/neal-baer
• In-Depth Interview:
  ghsm.hms.harvard.edu/interview-neal-baer
• Connect with Dr. Baer:
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram

Narativ’s online course in partnership with New Mexico State University Global Campus:
Lead With Your Story (self-paced, on-demand course)
Podcast listeners get 25% off - Use code NARATIV → Register Here

Learn more about how to leverage Narativ’s storytelling method for your pitch and sales team: Download our free e-book, or you’re welcome to schedule a free 15-minute call with Jerome.
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