Rebecca J. Harris, PA-C

Q: Who has been your greatest influence in life?

I would say my dad. He was a writer, a physician, a psychiatrist. Although he passed away five years ago, I continue to ask myself: ‘How would my dad manage certain situations?' I admired him. He worked hard until the day he passed away and he thoroughly enjoyed his work. He was immersed in his work with his patients. Q: What does success look like on any given day? At the end of the day, I want to know my patients have been well cared for and that a good treatment plan has been put in motion to improve their well-being.

Q: What do you do to stay healthy, both in body and mind?

I exercise everyday – 30 minutes on an elliptical machine – and I recommend patients stay active. I also like to garden or landscape and work crossword puzzles. In my off hours, I help run a chess club for children between kindergarten and 12th grade. My 12-year-old son belongs to a club. I play too and I love it, but I’m not very good.

Q: What has been your most memorable moment in medicine?

I worked on a burn unit for years…I was helping a patient who had been trying to survive after an explosion. His last hours and his last words were so very personal to me. He was in a grave situation, yet when I asked him if he could see me, he replied: “I can see your blue eyes.” Within a day he passed away. He was still capable of such kindness in a horrible moment. It really moved me.