Diane Shader Smith

Diane Shader Smith is a passionate health advocate, author, and public speaker, known for her work in promoting awareness of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and narrative medicine. Through her compelling presentations and written works, Diane, who was trained in Narrative Medicine at Columbia University, has become a significant voice in public health and patient advocacy communities. Her efforts extend beyond storytelling to driving global action against AMR.

Diane has spoken at prestigious venues including the White House and Capitol Hill, and NATO and the European Commission advocating for healthcare reforms and better disease management practices. In her day job, Diane is involved in PR marketing, crisis communications, and narrative medicine, emphasizing the power of storytelling to influence public policy, improve health outcomes, promote environmental stewardship, and advocate for comprehensive mental health support. Her work underscores the critical need for proactive management of health crises, aiming to inspire and mobilize communities worldwide.

Diane’s late daughter, Mallory Smith, authored the poignant memoirs “Salt in My Soul” and “Diary of a Dying Girl” before her untimely death from a resistant bacterial infection, the result of an underlying diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. These works offer a deep, introspective look into living with resistant bacteria and chronic illness and have sparked important conversations about mental and physical health. Her story continues to resonate profoundly with audiences worldwide, driving advocacy, policy change, and a shift in how we approach both AMR and narrative medicine while also inspiring the work Diane is doing.