Dr. Patrice A. Harris, M.D., M.A., a distinguished psychiatrist from Atlanta, has emerged as a key figure in the realm of healthcare leadership. Her extensive career, marked by a dedication to improving the lives of children and communities, has positioned her as a prominent advocate for health equity and mental health awareness. As the first African American woman to be elected as President of the American Medical Association (AMA), Dr. Harris’s contributions to the medical field are both significant and inspiring.

Dr. Harris’s journey began at West Virginia University, where she earned her medical degree. She subsequently completed a residency in psychiatry and fellowships in child psychiatry and forensics at Emory University. Throughout her career, her passion for advocating for children has been a driving force, influencing her work as both a clinician and a public health administrator. Her commitment to addressing the needs of abused and neglected children has seen her engage with legislative bodies to inspire change in public policy.

Her leadership within organized medicine is noteworthy. Dr. Harris was elected to the AMA Board of Trustees in 2011, eventually serving as Secretary and Chair. Elected as the 174th President of the AMA in 2019, she focused her efforts on dismantling barriers to patient care and reimagining medical education and training (https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrice-harris-md-ma-4378a65a).

In October 2023, Dr. Harris joined the board of directors for Acadia. Her extensive experience and passionate advocacy for health equity make her an invaluable asset to the organization.

Dr. Patrice A. Harris remains a beacon of hope and change within the healthcare landscape, inspiring future generations to pursue careers in medicine and leadership. Her unwavering commitment to service and improvement in community health continues to resonate throughout her influential career.

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