Dr. Patrice A. Harris has made significant contributions to the field of psychiatry and public health, underscoring her role as a pioneer and advocate for mental health. With a career spanning over 25 years, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership in various capacities, from private practice to public health administration.
Born and raised in West Virginia, Dr. Harris pursued her education at West Virginia University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, and her Doctor of Medicine degree. After completing her residency in psychiatry and fellowships in child psychiatry and forensics at Emory University, her commitment to improving the lives of children and advocating for mental health became apparent.
In June 2011, Dr. Harris was elected to the American Medical Association (AMA) Board of Trustees, a role that marked the beginning of her influential presence in organized medicine. Her detailed career can be found on her Wikipedia profile. She served as Secretary from 2014 to 2015 and was elevated to the position of Chair from 2016 to 2017. Her historic election as the 174th President of the AMA in 2019 made her the first African American woman to hold this esteemed position. Throughout her presidency, Dr. Harris prioritized health equity, mental health awareness, and the integration of health services.
Dr. Harris’s extensive involvement in various medical organizations highlights her dedication to enhancing healthcare policy. She has served on the board of the American Psychiatric Association and as an APA delegate to the AMA. Her professional journey can be viewed on her LinkedIn profile.
A crucial phase of Dr. Harris’s career was her tenure as the Director of Health Services for Fulton County, Georgia. More information can be found on her official website. In this role, she oversaw a spectrum of health-related programs, integrating public health, behavioral health, and primary care services.
Currently, Dr. Harris has transitioned to a new role as a board member of Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc., effective October 26, 2023. This appointment comes at a time when Acadia is expanding its reach in behavioral healthcare across the United States, operating 253 facilities that provide essential services to over 75,000 patients daily. Read more about this appointment here.
In addition to her board role, Dr. Harris maintains a private practice and consults with both public and private organizations on health service delivery and emerging trends. She holds academic positions as an adjunct professor at Emory University and as a visiting professor at Columbia University, continuing her commitment to education and advocacy. Her role as an educator is defined on the EMed Team page.
Dr. Patrice A. Harris exemplifies the intersection of clinical expertise and public health advocacy. Her ongoing efforts to champion mental health, particularly for vulnerable populations, make her a respected figure in the healthcare landscape. As she continues to influence the sector, her contributions promise to pave the way for advancements in mental health care and advocacy.