Hillel Z. Harris, M.D.

Emergency Medicine

Hillel Z. Harris, M.D., holds a unique perspective on prescriptive and preventative medicine. He is an emergency medicine physician at HCA Florida JFK Hospital in Atlantis, a comprehensive stroke and cardiac center.

“I care for patients with life-threatening conditions every shift,” says Dr. Harris. “My team and I are excellent at saving people and providing sick care.”

However, he says we need to provide better health care. “For those patients suffering with chronic diseases, we have opportunities to address underlying contributing factors, such as poor food choices, a sedentary lifestyle or inability to manage life stress.”

That’s part of the reason he founded a member interest group for ER practitioners through the American College of Lifestyle Medicine that addresses lifestyle factors.

“It has definitely helped me feel a greater sense of satisfaction to be able to talk about lifestyle factors with my patients,” he says.

Dr. Harris is an athlete who played tennis when he was at Tufts University and continues to do so.

“Exercise is important for our health. Even short, frequent bouts of physical activity can positively impact our health,” he says.

It saddens him that people have become less active. He is concerned that obesity, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes are on the rise.

He says patients in the ER are scared and vulnerable and earning their trust is essential.

“I try to ask the right questions and really listen to what may be going on with each patient I treat.”

Dr. Harris received his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine and did his residency at Wayne State University. He is board certified in emergency medicine and lifestyle medicine. He is also a certified sports nutritionist. He has been at HCA Florida JFK Hospital for 13 years.

“I love never knowing what the day will bring. I cherish those moments when I can save a patient who is too sick to remember me and then get to see them walk out of the hospital.”

Location: 5301 S. Congress Ave., Atlantis, 561-819-2988, drhillelharris.com

Board Certified: Emergency Medicine Physician

Board Certified: Lifestyle Medicine

Fellow: American College of Emergency Physicians

Diplomate: American Board of Emergency Medicine

Member: American College of Sports Medicine, American College of Lifestyle Medicine, International Society of Sports Nutrition, Palm Beach County Council of EMS Medical Directors

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