ASA April 2003 Newsletter

Andrew P. Harris, M.D.

I came to know Andy Harris as a resident in anesthesiology at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, where he was Chief of the Division of Obstetric Anesthesia from 1989 to 2002. In his capacity as a clinician-educator, Dr. Harris earned a national reputation. With more than 60 publications, there is no question that Dr. Harris is a leader in the field of obstetric anesthesia. In fact, he currently serves on the executive committee of the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology (SOAP) and as the SOAP delegate to ASA. In 1998, however, Dr. Harris began to pursue another interest, and it is this new pursuit which has brought his career into the spotlight.

Dr. Harris was born and raised in New York City. He obtained an undergraduate degree, medical doctorate and later a master’s degree in health policy and management from Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Harris completed his residency in anesthesiology there in 1983 and served both as chief resident and a fellow in obstetric anesthesia before joining the faculty in 1984. He remains an active member of the department at Johns Hopkins. It is his extracurricular interests throughout his career that have really set him apart, however.

While building a successful academic career, Dr. Harris found time to join the U.S. Naval Reserve Medical Corps. From 1989 to 1992, he served as Commanding Officer of the Johns Hopkins Naval Reserve Medical Unit, including a tour of active duty at Bethesda Naval Hospital during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

In 1998, Dr. Harris ran for the State Senate in Maryland and was elected to his first term. As one of only 13 Republicans in a 47-member State Senate, Dr. Harris has frequently found himself on the short end of the vote count. But even when they disagree with his politics, Senator Harris’ colleagues always respect his in-depth personal knowledge of health care issues, his adherence to principle and his extensive research background that he brings along with his positions. During his first term, his leadership on the floor of the Maryland Senate led to the defeat of major legislation that would have extended the statute of limitations in medical malpractice cases as well as extend the scope of practice of advanced-practice nurses in the state of Maryland.

In the Maryland State Senate, Dr. Harris’ medical expertise has resulted in appointments to the prestigious Committee on Education, Health and Environmental Affairs as well as the Joint Committee on Healthcare Delivery and Financing. The only physician in the Maryland State Senate, Dr. Harris is well respected by members of both parties, and when a policy question regarding health care arises, his opinion counts.

Senator Harris, however, is not only interested in the political impact of health care issues. On the contrary, as a devoted father of five children, he has taken a leadership role on education issues as well. During the last legislative term, Dr. Harris sponsored a bill designed to bring meaningful class-size reduction to Maryland’s public schools.

In November 2002, despite redistricting that resulted in a race with another incumbent, Dr. Harris showed his popularity by being re-elected to a second term by a comfortable margin. Dr. Harris’ dedication and integrity led his colleagues in the Maryland State Senate to elect him as Minority Whip (the second highest minority position) for the 2003 legislative session.

Although I came to know Dr. Harris as a teacher, I have grown to respect him even more as a role model. Andrew P. Harris, M.D., exemplifies everything that is right in our specialty today. He is a compassionate clinician, a resourceful educator, a cogent researcher, a devoted father and, perhaps most importantly, a committed citizen. Through his extracurricular efforts, Andy Harris’ healing touch has gone far beyond the patients for whom he has cared at Johns Hopkins. His efforts touch every patient in the state of Maryland.

Spotlight On… Maybe You?

The “Spotlight On…” column is designed to salute those who have developed an avocation or extracurricular activity that focuses attention on our specialty and serves as an inspiration to all of us.

We are seeking accounts of individuals who have enhanced the image of anesthesiology through an unusual aspect of public service, hopefully but not necessarily related to medicine.

This recognition is intended for the grassroots level of our membership and is not meant to reward academic achievement or component society leadership. “Spotlight On…” will be reserved for individuals who would not generally be otherwise recognized for their unique efforts.

Candidates for “Spotlight On…” should be nominated in writing to the NEWSLETTER Editor with a 500- to 700-word summary of the person’s achievements. A photograph also should be included whenever possible. Submissions will be reviewed by the Committee on Communications.

James F. Weller, M.D., is an Instructor in Cardiovascular and Thoracic Anesthesia, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.

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