Justin Nathaniel Baker, MD, is an internationally recognized pediatric oncologist, palliative care specialist, and clinical investigator whose career has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for children with advanced cancer. He currently serves as Chief of the Division of Quality of Life and Pediatric Palliative Care at Stanford University, where he also directs the Quality of Life for All (QoLA) Program and serves as Associate Chief Quality Officer for Patient Experience and Holistic Care. His work integrates clinical excellence, research innovation, and compassionate care, shaping global standards in pediatric palliative medicine.
Dr. Baker’s clinical and academic journey has been defined by a deep commitment to addressing the profound distress experienced by children with advanced cancer and the ethical, emotional, and bereavement challenges faced by their families. Prior to joining Stanford, he spent more than a decade at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where he led one of the largest and most influential Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Programs in the world. His leadership played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of pediatric oncologists and palliative care physicians.
His research interests span multiple domains within pediatric palliative oncology, including ethical considerations in Phase I clinical trials, adolescent and young adult (AYA) palliative care, end-of-life decision-making, grief and bereavement, integration of palliative care into active oncology treatment, and patient-reported outcomes in pain and symptom management. Dr. Baker has obtained significant extramural research funding and has contributed to dozens of clinical studies aimed at improving care for children with life-threatening illnesses.
A prolific academic contributor, Dr. Baker has authored approximately 300 publications, including original research, reviews, and book chapters, establishing him as a global leader in pediatric palliative care. His work has informed international guidelines, advanced interdisciplinary models of care, and inspired colleagues around the world to prioritize quality of life as a core component of pediatric oncology.
Dr. Baker’s academic appointments at Stanford include Professor of Pediatrics (University Medical Line) and Member of the Maternal & Child Health Research Institute (MCHRI). He also serves as Global Health Faculty Fellow at the Stanford Center for Innovation in Global Health. He is board-certified in Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology–Oncology, and Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
He completed his medical degree at the University of Texas School of Medicine at San Antonio, followed by pediatric residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center, and a Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Widely regarded as one of the foremost experts in pediatric palliative care, Dr. Baker continues to advance the field through clinical leadership, research innovation, mentorship, and a steadfast dedication to improving the lives of children and families confronting serious illness.
He is a Member of the Editorial Board of OncoDaily.