Spotlight Interview with Dr. Wilbur T.S. Harris

Location: Monrovia, Montserrado County; Liberia

Bio: Dr. Wilbur T. S. Harris is a recent graduate of the Liberia College of Physicians and Surgeons (LCPS) Psychiatry Residency Program and stands out as one of the few psychiatrists in Liberia.

Educational journey

Dr. Harris’ journey into the field of medicine commenced with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, during which his aspirations for medical school were not completely concrete. During college, Dr. Harris pursued multiple areas of interest but had difficulty choosing one. However, after the completion of his undergraduate degree, his fascination with the medical realm began to flourish. The sole medical institution in Liberia at that time became his target, leading to his enrollment in the University of Liberia A.M. Dogliotti College of Medicine. The attraction towards psychiatry didn't stem from a singular defining moment for Dr. Harris, rather, it evolved gradually, possibly during his clinical rotations during medical school. Additionally, the scarcity of psychiatrists in Liberia during his time in medical school became a pivotal factor. This slow evolution of interest coincided with his inherent inclination toward tackling challenges and barriers. Driven by a desire to make a substantial difference, he recognized that psychiatry held the potential for significant positive change, particularly in a scenario where few practitioners were addressing the mental health needs of the population.

Unlike the direct transition from medical school to residency that is typically observed in the US, Dr. Harris underwent a one-year internship following medical school. This internship consisted of a year of rotation and a subsequent rural service assignment across several counties prior to eligibility for residency. It was during this year-long internship that Dr. Harris committed himself to the field of psychiatry and officially embarked on his residency journey. His exposure to the social disparities faced by individuals grappling with mental health issues during his rotations was a significant catalyst for this decision. Since completing residency, Dr. Harris has continued to expand his knowledge. Recently, he completed a Masters in Public Health, adding to his list of accomplishments and ongoing commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility and delivery. Since graduating, he has continued to dedicate his time and skills to Liberia’s national program for substance use disorders along with several other non-profit organizations in the public mental health field. He balances all of these responsibilities along with his clinical duties as a practicing psychiatrist.

Experience as a Psychiatry Resident

Due to the limited opportunities for clinical rotations, assuming responsibility as one of the few individuals charged with the psychiatric care of individuals confronting mental health challenges proved to be a shock, punctuated by occasional challenges. The environment was characterized by limited auxiliary personnel within the field, however, the residency program was strongly connected to several other renowned institutions. This ensured access to lectures delivered by experts hailing from Boston University and other institutions. Additionally, the absence of specialized services within the mental health spectrum, such as child and adolescent care or addiction treatment, posed an intriguing challenge. Navigating through these diverse domains of psychiatry without a group of specialists in Liberia highlighted the intricacies of mental healthcare. Amidst the trials, moments of gratification punctuated the journey, even as the road remained arduous and exasperating. Dr. Harris was most grateful for the network of remote support as these collaborations taught him more than any textbook.

Challenges & Strengths

Dr. Harris explained that a notable challenge was having a shortage of role models during medical school. His first interaction with a psychiatrist didn't materialize until the third or fourth year of his medical studies, underscoring the lack of mental health providers in this region.

Additionally, he found that the prevailing stigma surrounding mental health, originating from both misconceptions about mental health problems and a lack of acceptance for professionals in this field, stood as another significant issue. This societal perception resonates within the country, contributing to an environment where mental health practitioners are often seen as having a lower status compared to their counterparts in different medical specialties. Overcoming this obstacle and persisting in the field necessitated that he and his peers accept these realities. Navigating through a program with limited specialized services posed further challenges for Dr. Harris. The absence of comprehensive resources, particularly in areas like psychiatry, impacted patient care and program dynamics during his training. Dr. Harris expressed a hopeful outlook, noting potential improvements in these areas over time. He aspires for a future with fewer obstacles, even though the potential for sustained resource limitations remains.

The collaboration between the LCPS and the Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine emerged as a notable positive for Dr. Harris. He found that the involvement of specialists delivering lectures across diverse subject areas proved to be significant, as it offered valuable insights and opportunities for external exposure. The partnership also opened doors for research endeavors and cooperative projects with Boston University, a factor that has greatly contributed to his residency program's successes. From a personal perspective, Dr. Harris states that these interactions with individuals in Boston have been greatly supportive[BK2] . Notably, Dr. David C. Henderson, Professor & Chair of Psychiatry from BU, and Dr. Benjamin L. Harris, current President of the LCPS, have both conducted informative lectures, adding substantial value to his program. The resources, connections, and networks established during this period are perceived as lifelong assets that will undoubtedly influence his future endeavors.

Accomplishments

One of Dr. Harris’ significant recent achievements is the successful completion of his exams. Reflecting on the extensive journey leading to this milestone, the experience of conquering his board exams holds considerable excitement! While tracing back his accomplishments, various pivotal moments stand out. These include his transition from medical school into the residency program, a phase marked by profound growth. These instances serve as crucial milestones and accomplishments that punctuate his academic journey. Yet, even as he acknowledges these achievements, Dr. Harris maintains a strong sense of purpose and potential for further impact. He envisions the potential role of public health in advancing his goals, particularly in the realms of research, reducing stigma, and enhancing access to care for individuals he serves. This dedication to progress and enhancement underscores his commitment to making a lasting contribution to the field.

Advice for Future Residents 

Dr. Harris’ advice to incoming residents of the LCPS psychiatry program underscores the significance of maintaining focus on their ultimate objectives throughout the journey. Acknowledging that resources might be limited initially, he encourages newcomers to perceive this phase as a starting point. Dr. Harris stresses the importance of recognizing their role in assisting individuals who often have limited resources at their disposal. He advises them to adapt to the dynamic nature of their experiences.

While a concrete plan might not always be possible at the outset, Dr. Harris emphasizes the value of embracing change and staying flexible in their approach. He urges them to cultivate an awareness of their identity and the overarching aspirations they hold, focusing not just on specific outcomes, but on foundational principles of care, especially towards an underprivileged population.

Future Goals

Dr. Wilbur Harris expresses his intention to persist in his current fields of engagement. He aspires to balance his efforts between clinical care, teaching, and research, each of which holds distinct importance to him. In terms of clinical care, he envisions a continuing trajectory of progress, driven by his dedication to this aspect of his career. He also seeks to allocate a significant portion of his time to teaching, a practice that has been integral to his journey since his college graduation. His teaching experiences span various educational levels, from high school to university, underscoring his commitment to imparting his knowledge to others.

Additionally, he is enthusiastic about enhancing his role as a researcher. This includes delving into clinical research and furthering his expertise as a public health researcher. Dr. Harris sees these pursuits as avenues for his personal and professional growth, aligning with his overarching career objectives. These multifaceted goals, encompassing clinical care, teaching, and research, constitute the cornerstones of his aspirations as he progresses through his vocational journey.

Closing Thoughts 

Dr. Wilbur Harris's core philosophy centers around the idea of being a supportive presence for others, a principle that holds deep personal significance. He places a strong emphasis on making a positive impact on individuals' lives, regardless of the manner. Expressing gratitude for the opportunities that have led him to the field of psychiatry and mental health, he recognizes that substantial work remains to be done. He extends an earnest invitation to others, urging them to join in efforts to address mental health challenges, particularly in areas marked by limited resources or human capacity.

These thoughts underscore his gratitude for the individuals who have influenced his career and contributed to the betterment of both his society and the broader community. Dr. Harris concludes by stressing the importance of truly embodying one's dedication to psychiatry, moving beyond mere words to deeply internalize and practice the principles of care and support. His message is clear: being there for others is a gesture that goes beyond profession and practice, touching the essence of what it means to be in the field of mental health.