Our Leadership: Patrice A. Harris, MD, MA

Patrice Harris, MD, MA, serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Health Impact Officer for Nemours Children's. In this role, she advances our Whole Child Health strategy, ensuring it is integrated across clinical care, operations, advocacy, research, and community partnerships. She collaborates with leaders across the organization to improve child and community health outcomes and strengthen Nemours position as a national leader in Whole Child Health. Dr. Harris oversees the National Office for Policy and Prevention, State External Affairs teams, and the Ginsburg Institute.

A board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist, Dr. Harris has built a distinguished career spanning clinical practice, public health, health care innovation, and national leadership. Prior to joining Nemours, she co-founded the digital health company eMed and served as its chief executive officer.

A recognized national voice in medicine, Dr. Harris served as the 174th President of the American Medical Association, becoming the first African American woman elected to that role. She also served for six years as District Health Director for Fulton County, Georgia, leading efforts to integrate public health, behavioral health, and primary care services. Throughout her career, Dr. Harris has been a passionate advocate for improving the lives of children and communities, with particular focus on integrated care, adverse childhood experiences, and barriers to accessing care.

Dr. Harris earned a Doctor of Medicine degree and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from West Virginia University, where she serves on the Board of Governors. She completed her psychiatry residency and fellowships in child and adolescent psychiatry and forensic psychiatry at Emory University School of Medicine. She also holds faculty appointments at Emory University School of Medicine and Morehouse School of Medicine and is a Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.