By Samantha Cart
West Virginia native Dr. Patrice Harris is taking the national stage in health care leadership this year as the first-ever African-American female president of the American Medical Association, the largest association of physicians and medical students in the U.S.
“The duty of any first is to make sure there is a second.”
These words serve as a powerful motivator for Dr. Patrice Harris, president-elect of the American Medical Association (AMA), who will become the organization’s first African-American female president when she is inaugurated in June.
“Every president brings their own unique lens through which they view the work of the AMA, and I think that is important,” says Harris. “I hope I can be evidence and inspiration to young women, particularly young black women, that they can aspire to the ultimate leadership position in their profession no matter what profession they choose. I am very proud to be the first African-American female president of the AMA. It’s an honor and a privilege but also a great responsibility, and it will be my role to make sure there are more to come.”
