Paul Browde MD is a psychiatrist, storyteller, and relationship guide. Born in South Africa, Paul attended medical school at the University of Witwatersrand. He was also one of the original faculty in Columbia University’s Narrative Medicine program, is the founder of Narativ Inc and co-founder of Purposeful Leadership.

Paul was just 24 years old when he was diagnosed with HIV, changing the trajectory of his life forever. With an estimated 2 year life expectancy, Paul gave up on his career in medicine to pursue his dream of being an actor. Eventually, Paul found his way back to the medical world and moved to New York to study psychiatry as he was interested in the human mind. Although Paul was an out and proud gay man, he kept his HIV diagnosis a secret until a student threatened to expose him, putting his career in jeopardy. Paul chose to take control of his own narrative and share his story as both a doctor and a patient. This led him on a journey to educate others and dial up the voices of so many who have been stigmatised by lack of knowledge and understanding.

Paul shares how he was able to deal with feelings of shame through vulnerability and openness which has given him the gift to be more empathic to his patients and see the world through both lenses. He provides his audience with a message of strength and the courage to be true to yourself.