Patrice Harris, MD

An advocate and leader in organized medicine, Patrice is a practicing psychiatrist trained in child/adolescent and forensic psychiatry. As former chief health officer for Fulton County, she spearheaded efforts to integrate public health, behavioral health and primary care. In addition to her work for AMA as its Immediate Past President, she remains involved in local initiatives ensuring the voices of physicians and patients are represented in local and regional healthcare transformation.

A trusted leader through challenging times, an effective communicator giving voice to issues affecting our profession, and an experienced advocate fighting for a healthier future, Patrice Harris is dedicated to serving the AMA.

Trusted Leader

Immediate past president, American Medical Association (AMA)

Past president, AMA

Past chair and past secretary, AMA Board of Trustees

Chair of AMA Opioid Task Force

Past chair / member of AMA task forces on:

• Health Information Technology

• Payment

• Delivery reform and private contracting

Past trustee, American Psychiatric Association

Past member, Medical Association of Georgia Task Force on Membership Expansion and Involvement

Past president, Georgia Psychiatric Physicians Association

Effective Communicator

At the forefront of AMA action on matters critical to the health of our nation, Dr. Harris has been a voice for medicine, appearing on multiple media outlets, discussing topics including the opioid epidemic, prescription drug availability and cost, access to care, parity, obesity, and gun violence. She has represented AMA at local and national meetings of our Federation, giving voice to the work of our AMA and our commitment to issues critical to health and healthcare today and in the future.

Experienced Advocate

Dr. Harris’ passion for advocacy began with her first visit to the Georgia General Assembly working with the entire physician community to secure victories on scope of practice and medical liability reform. As a senior policy fellow at Emory, she worked to improve services for children who have been abused and neglected. She has advocated on behalf of physicians and patients with White House officials, federal agencies, Congress, governors, and state legislators.  

Patrice has effectively advocated for AMA’s positions, acknowledging the complex nature of the healthcare system, and the value in fostering partnerships even with those holding different views.