Patrice A. Harris, M.D., M.A., Immediate Past President of the American Medical Association
Education: Harris holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in counseling psychology from West Virginia University, as well as a doctor of medicine degree from West Virginia University School of Medicine.
About her: Harris became the 174th president of the American Medical Association in June 2019 and is the first African-American woman to hold the position. She has long spearheaded the AMA’s efforts to end the opioid epidemic, serving as chair of the AMA Opioid Task Force since its inception in 2014. She has also served on the AMA’s board of trustees since 2011, including a stint as chair in from 2016 through 2017. In that role, she has long served as a mentor, role model and advocate. In the past year, she has spoken out on behalf of the AMA on the importance of science and evidence in combating not only the COVID-19 pandemic, but all health crises.
Throughout her career, Harris has been driven by a passion to improve the lives of children and serve others. A recognized expert in children’s mental health and childhood trauma, she has led efforts on both the local and national levels to integrate public health, behavioral health and primary care services with support for employment, housing and education. A distinguished fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, Harris continues her private practice and consults with both public and private organizations on health service delivery and emerging trends in practice and health policy. She is an adjunct assistant professor in the Emory Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and an adjunct clinical assistant professor in psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Morehouse School of Medicine.
First job: “Server at a local steakhouse in my hometown.”
Proudest accomplishment: “As a professional, my election as president of the AMA. Personally, working to be the best daughter I can be.”
Book she recommends: Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan and Al Switzler, and Crucial Confrontations by Kerry Patterson and Joseph Grenny.
Advice she would give her younger self: “Be true to your authentic self.”
What she’d do with her career if it wasn’t this: “The best thing about my chosen profession is that there are limitless opportunities to serve -- from serving the patient in front of me to serving the entire country."
Advice she would offer to healthcare leaders seeking to make a real impact on systemic problems caused by racism: “Ensure the commitment to addressing these issues includes a clear vision with the resources and accountability required to succeed.”