Rachel A. Harris, MD

Physician

Biography/Personal Interests

What Dr. Rachel Harris loved about volleyball, the sport she played in college, is what she loves about Southdale ObGyn today. “I loved how coordinated the sport is … the energy of the game … but most of all, I loved the teamwork,” she says. “I wanted to work at a family- and team-oriented group, and here the focus is on working together to take care of the patients. At Southdale Ob/Gyn, every single clinic employee is vital to ensuring that the patient has a good experience.”

Dr. Harris’s decision to become a physician came from her love of science, and also from her aunt, Dr. Garnet Harris, a family practice physician whom she shadowed for a few weeks during college. “She’s very passionate about her career, but what influenced me the most was how she respects her patients — and how much they trust her.”

Being an ob/gyn was a natural fit for Dr. Harris. Her first medical school rotation was surgery, followed by ob/gyn. “I didn’t think I’d like surgery, but I found that I really enjoyed it,” she says. “And ob/gyn was even better because I loved working in a clinic and getting to know patients personally. It’s the perfect blend of primary care and surgery.”

Dr. Harris describes herself as empathetic and energetic, driven and down-to-earth. “I’m good at listening to what’s going on with my patients, and I respect that they have an integral role in their health care,” she says.

In addition to her aunt, she says she’s had many female role models, from varied walks of life, but all of whom share one trait: “They’ve found a way to show up with a positive attitude and to be of service to people,” she says. “And that approach to life is really important to me — to not focus on yourself all of the time.”

In her spare time, Dr. Harris likes to read, run, and try new things—from dance lessons (West Coast Swing) to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. She also enjoys spending time with her husband Steve, son Milo and is very excited for baby #2, coming in January 2017.  “It’s part of having balance in life and being a whole person, so when I show up at work I can be there 100 percent,” she says.

“I feel so fortunate to have women come to me for their care. It really is an honor in my life. I’m so grateful that this is my job!”

Education

Undergraduate, summa cum laude, Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas
Doctor of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee

Residency

Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina

Certification

Board certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology

Memberships

Fellow – American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG)
American Medical Association (AMA)

Leadership

Medical Directory, Southdale ObGyn Consultants

Awards

Harold M. Sluder Award for Excellence in Teaching

Fairview Video Biography