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AgeVenture News Service 
If the best medicine is a great doctor, then the future of Florida health care has never been brighter. George D. Harris, M.D., an outstanding family physician was recently elected the 54th President of the Florida Academy of Family Physicians for the year 2000-2001.
Hailing from the Great State of West Virginia, Dr. Harris has resided in St. Petersburg, Florida since his early teens when his parents, George and Julia Harris, relocated to St. Pete as full time educators in Florida's public school system. Graduating a year early from high school, the young George Harris headed for the University of South Florida where he was graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Chemistry. Immediately following his studies at USF, George enrolled at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Attending classes while working part-time in support of tuition and expenses, the ambitious young man earned both a Masters Degree in Immunology and an M.D. degree. After completing a three-year family practice residency at St. Vincent's Medical Center in Jacksonville, Florida, Dr. Harris entered a decade of private solo practice from 1987 to 1997. Within two short years of entering private practice, George received the coveted "Young Leader Award" from the Florida Academy of Family Physicians in 1989. And, by 1996, Dr. Harris received the William Colletti Service Award from the Pinellas County Medical Society. Recently, he completed a fellowship program through the National Institute of Program Directors Development. You'd think that a busy physician like Dr. Harris would have a difficult time finding time for himself and his family. However, he is by all accounts a dedicated father, taking a very active role in the growth and development of his two young sons, Christopher and Nikolas. When he's not writing poetry or working on his stamp collection, George says he enjoys spending time with his extended family. Mom and Dad Harris, now retired, live right across the street. Can you say "Instant Babysitting Service?" Just kidding. The grandparents love the company of their grandchildren. Sisters Stephanie and Cynthia have homes just around the corner where they live with their husbands, George and Doug, and their sons. Dr. Harris' brother Paul resides in Pittsburgh with his wife Barbara. However, as employees of a major airline, Paul and Barb manage to be fully engaged in this one big, happy, American family. Learning about Dr. Harris and his close family ties no doubt explains why this energetic young man chose Family Medicine as a career. And, as Florida's new top "family doc", I'm sure we will all be well-served by his leadership and his day-to-day dedication to keeping Florida families healthy and well. Photo credit: AgeVenture News Service, Boca Raton, FL |