Bernard Harris MD MPH FASAM
Newtown Square,PA
Summary
Dedicated Medical Director with extensive experience in addiction medicine and public health. Skilled in developing individualized treatment plans and strategic operations oversight, contributing to improved patient care and recovery outcomes.
Overview
44
44
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Medical Director
Merakey Parkside
Philadelphia, PA
09.2022 - Current
- ***Merakey Parkside acquired the JEVS Human Services medication-assisted treatment program in Sept 2022.
- Provide evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders, including medication-assisted therapy with buprenorphine products and methadone, in alignment with national best practices and clinical guidelines.
- Oversee individualized care plans that integrate pharmacologic and behavioral interventions to support long-term recovery.
- Monitor patient progress and adjust treatment protocols to ensure safety, efficacy, and continuity of care.
- Evaluate and treat medical conditions commonly found in individuals with substance use disorders, such as Hepatitis C infection, and STDs.
Medical Consultant
Mainline Preventive Medicine
Newtown Square, Pennsylvania
01.1984 - Current
- Provided training and supervision to clinical staff, fostering professional development and adherence to best practices.
- Educated patients on lifestyle modifications for improved health outcomes.
- Developed treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs and health goals.
- Performed physical examinations and diagnostic tests to assess patient health.
- Prescribed medications based on clinical guidelines and patient-specific factors.
Medical Director
JEVS Human Services
Philadelphia, PA
09.2018 - 09.2022
- *** JEVS Human Services' medication-assisted treatment program was acquired by Merakey Parkside in September 2022.
- Provided evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders, including medication-assisted therapy with buprenorphine products and methadone, in alignment with national best practices and clinical guidelines.
- Oversaw individualized care plans that integrate pharmacologic and behavioral interventions to support long-term recovery.
- Monitored patient progress and adjusted treatment protocols to ensure safety, efficacy, and continuity of care.
Medical Director and consultant
Habit OPCO
Pottstown, Pennsylvania
03.2013 - 02.2019
- ***Relocation: I relocated to Philadelphia County from Chester County, PA in 2019, requiring a change of job location***
- Conducted assessments to evaluate client needs and treatment options.
- Developed individualized treatment plans based on client assessments and feedback.
- Educated clients and families about addiction, recovery, and available resources.
- Provided crisis intervention to clients experiencing acute addiction challenges.
- Collaborated with team members to monitor treatment progress and improve individual clients' plans.
- Maintained accurate records of patient interactions, including diagnoses, treatments provided, medication prescribed.
Medical Director and consultant
NETSTEPS and NET @PPS
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
05.2009 - 03.2013
- ***2009 Relocation from Philadelphia County to Chester County**
- 5/2009-3/2013 - Medical Director, addiction treatment services, NET Steps and NET @PPS (Philadelphia prisons), 2205 Bridge St, Philadelphia, PA 19137.
- Introduced a new screening and vaccination program for patients in opiate treatment who are also co-infected with Hepatitis B and C in collaboration with a grant from SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Center for Substance Abuse Treatment.
- Provided medication-assisted treatment inside the Philadelphia Prison System and developed a 'Bridge Program' to link those leaving incarceration without a treatment home into our program, while arrangements were established with their home clinic or continuation of treatment with NET Steps.
HIV/AIDS Program Director
Philadelphia Department of Public Health
Philadelphia, PA
03.1988 - 01.2010
- Developed public health programs addressing community needs and health disparities.
- Developed a dedicated HIV/AIDS clinic, providing specialty services to people living with HIV/AIDS.
- Developed an extended evening hours clinic to address the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS.
- Trained staff on program policies, procedures, and best practices in public health.
- Organized community events promoting awareness of public health issues and resources.
- Provided leadership in developing innovative approaches to meet program goals.
Clinician 2- Internal Medicine-Dept of Ambulatory
Philadelphia Dept of Public Health
Philadelphia, PA
01.1984 - 01.2010
- Diagnose and manage acute and chronic medical conditions across diverse populations, including underserved communities.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver coordinated care, and improve health outcomes.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation in electronic health records.
- Participate in public health initiatives, including screenings, vaccinations, and health education programs.
- Support departmental goals by contributing to quality improvement efforts, and adhering to clinical guidelines.
- Engage in continuing education and training to stay current with medical standards and public health practices.
Internal Med/Emergency Medicine Physician
Girard Medical Center ( aka Guiffre Medical Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
01.1982 - 01.1984
- Diagnosed and treated diverse medical emergencies in a fast-paced clinical environment.
- Implemented advanced life support protocols during critical medical interventions.
- Supervised and mentored junior staff in emergency response procedures and best practices.
- Responded quickly and effectively to life-threatening medical emergencies such as cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, stroke, trauma, or shock.
- Directed code blue teams during resuscitation efforts to restore normal circulation of blood flow throughout the body.
- Performed bedside procedures such as lumbar punctures, intubations, central lines, thoracentesis and paracentesis.
- Prescribed medications and treatments according to established protocols.
- Provided leadership support for junior physicians working within the Emergency Department setting.
Administrative Officer of the DAY- Emerg Serv.
United States Department Of Veterans Affairs
Wilmington, Delaware
08.1981 - 01.1982
- Diagnosed patient conditions through detailed medical examinations and assessments.
- Reviewed X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, and other imaging studies to diagnose conditions or diseases.
- Evaluated and triaged patients in the emergency department. Stabilized their medical conditions and either discharged them to follow up in the outpatient department or admitted them to the Wilmington VA Hospital for further workup and treatment.
- Referred patients to medical specialists or other practitioners for more specialized courses of treatment
Education
Master of Public Health - General Preventive Medicine And Public Health
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, WI05-2002
TY-1 - Internship-TY 1 * requirement for GPM & PH board c
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, CA06-1981
M.D. - Medicine
Penn State University College of Medicine
Hershey, PA05-1980
Master of Arts - Biology
Lincoln University
Lincoln University, PA05-1975
Skills
Publications
Book title: A Healthy Brain Is Non-Negotiable, Author: Bernard Harris, MD, published 2024, Kindle Direct Publishing
Description: a comprehensive guide on maintaining and enhancing brain health, covering topics such as nutrition, mental exercises, and lifestyle changes The book provides actionable insights and strategies for readers to optimize their cognitive function and overall well-being
Maintaining the attention and responsiveness of inner-city youth: evaluating the effectiveness of three psychotherapeutic techniques (unpublished on reserve) The Hershey Medical Center Harrell Library
HIV pathogenesis: HIV Frontline Quarterly, Summer 1997, Editorial Advisory Board, Guest Editor
Research: May 2000-February 2001 Zorro study - GSK, on-site principal investigator The Ziagen Optimal Regimen and Resistance Observational (ZORRO) trial was a Phase IV, open-label, community-based study conducted over 16 weeks in the US Clinical practice sites to assess real-world safety, tolerability, and efficacy of abacavir-containing combination regimens
Affiliations
1990-2001- AIDS Law Project of PA- HIV/ Prison Project Philadelphia, PA.
Advisory Board 2000-2005- Lincoln University Family Life Center Violence Prevention Program Lincoln University, PA. Advisory Board
2001- Project New Covenant-Partnership for HIV/AIDS Education and Information. Bebashi, The Black Clergy of Philadelphia, and Bristol-Myers Squibb. Advisory Board
1995-2005- Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge F & A.M. of Pennsylvania Worshipful Assistant Medical Director- State of Pennsylvania
Accomplishments
- Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, 2016
- Pinnacle Award for Achievement in Business and Professional Excellence. May 91. Presented by The Gillette Co. and HarBon Publishing.
Certification
- 12/2006-2016 – Board Certification in Addiction Medicine (ASAM)
- Re-certified 2014-2026- Board Certification in Addiction Medicine (ABAM)
- Re-certified 2022-2032-Board Certification in Addiction Medicine (ABPM)
- 1/1/2006-2016- Board Certification in General Preventive Medicine and Public Health, American Board of Preventive Medicine Chicago, Illinois 60606-7160
- Re-certified -10/21/18- 2028 General Preventive Medicine and Public Health:
- 2002 -Certified HIV/AIDS Specialist American Academy of HIV Medicine Los Angeles, CA 90069
Hospital Staff Affiliation(s):
- 9/1996- present- Clinical Associate (Adjunct 96-97)- Dept. of Medicine, Temple University Hospital and School of Medicine
- Developed a student preceptorship program in conjunction with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, District 5, for medical students to experience primary care and public health in practice.
- 7/2016-present -Clinical Affiliate, Department of Internal Medicine, Temple University Hospital and School of Medicine,Philadelphia, PA
- 7/1984- 6/2010- Clinical Associate-The Mercy Catholic Medical Center, Dept. of Internal Medicine Fitzgerald and Misericordia Divisions, Darby, PA
Timeline
Medical Director
Merakey Parkside
09.2022 - Current
Medical Director
JEVS Human Services
09.2018 - 09.2022
Medical Director and consultant
Habit OPCO
03.2013 - 02.2019
Medical Director and consultant
NETSTEPS and NET @PPS
05.2009 - 03.2013
HIV/AIDS Program Director
Philadelphia Department of Public Health
03.1988 - 01.2010
Medical Consultant
Mainline Preventive Medicine
01.1984 - Current
Clinician 2- Internal Medicine-Dept of Ambulatory
Philadelphia Dept of Public Health
01.1984 - 01.2010
Internal Med/Emergency Medicine Physician
Girard Medical Center ( aka Guiffre Medical Center
01.1982 - 01.1984
Administrative Officer of the DAY- Emerg Serv.
United States Department Of Veterans Affairs
08.1981 - 01.1982
Master of Public Health - General Preventive Medicine And Public Health
Medical College of Wisconsin
TY-1 - Internship-TY 1 * requirement for GPM & PH board c
University of California, San Francisco
M.D. - Medicine
Penn State University College of Medicine
Master of Arts - Biology
Lincoln University
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