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Kari Harris, M.D.

Kari Harris portrait
Professor, Pediatrics

Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

kharris2@kumc.edu

Professional Background

Kari R. Harris, MD is a Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita. Dr. Harris serves as the director, Section of Adolescent Medicine , Division of Ambulatory Pediatrics. She practices primary care pediatrics in the adolescent population. Dr. Harris received her medical degree from and completed her pediatrics residency at the University of Kansas School of Medicine - Wichita.

Dr. Harris has a strong interest in adolescent medicine, especially mental health. She works collaboratively across disciplines and within the state to increase access to mental health care for teens and to increase opportunities for education for primary care pediatricians and clinicians.

Dr. Harris values prevention as the foundation for health and works alongside her colleagues and leaders in public health to improve health outcomes for children and adolescents. In addition to mental health, she advocates for school based health care as a means to increase access to important preventive health care for children and adolescents.

Dr. Harris is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Academic Pediatric Association, and the Society of Adolescent Health and Medicine and is an active member in her local chapters of these organizations.

Education and Training
  • BS, Biology, Southwestern College, Winfield, KS
  • MD, Doctor of Medicine , University of Kansas School of Medicine - Wichita, Wichita, KS
  • Residency, Pediatrics, University of Kansas School of Medicine - Wichita , Wichita, KS
Licensure, Accreditations & Certifications
  • Pediatric Board Certification, American Board of Pediatrics
Professional Affiliations
  • Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine, Executive Director Search Committee, Ad-Hoc Member, 2024 - 2024
  • Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine, Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine, Director of Programs, 2023 - 2025
  • Academic Pediatric Association, Regional Representative , 2019 - Present
  • Academic Pediatric Association, Regional Conference Planning Committee Member, 2019 - 2020
  • Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine, Chair, Networking and Career Development Sub-committee of the SAHM Conference Planning Committee , Chair, 2019 - Present
  • Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine, SAHM Conference Planning Committee , Member, 2017 - Present
  • Midwest/Heartland Chapter, Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine, President, 2016 - 2018

Research

Overview

Dr. Harris has been part of multiple research teams. She has experience and interest in mental health, risk prevention in teenagers, teen parenting, and school based health care.

Among other projects, Dr. Harris has held principal investigator and director roles for federally funded grants programs related to mental health care. These programs have brought nearly $6.5 million federal dollars back to Kansas to benefit kids.

Dr. Harris has published in multiple peer-reviewed journals and presented locally to internationally on her research.

Current Research and Grants
  • KSKidsMAP to Mental Wellness, KDHE subcontract on HRSA grant, Co-PI
Publications