Dr. Elizabeth Harry leads the Office of Well-Being at Michigan Medicine, collaborating with leaders, key partners, and communities across both Michigan Medicine and the University to enhance the well-being of individuals and groups. As a leader at Michigan Medicine, Dr. Harry is dedicated to strengthening and enriching the vision for the future of well-being through system-level changes. She employs a data-informed and relationship-driven approach to improve well-being in both academic and clinical settings.
Dr. Harry brings over a decade of experience in medicine, healthcare and well-being and is a nationally recognized expert on cognitive load, burnout and well-being. She joined the Michigan Medicine Wellness Office after serving as Senior Medical Director of Well-being at UCHealth and Assistant Dean of Faculty Well-being at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. In addition to the University of Colorado, Dr. Harry practiced at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where she was assistant medical director and director of faculty development and well-being for the Brigham and Women’s Physicians Organization, as well as faculty liaison for graduate medical education well-being at Partners Healthcare. She has practiced internal medicine in both the inpatient and outpatient settings throughout her career.
She is on the board of the Collaborative for Healing and Renewal in Medicine (CHARM) under AAIM and teaches at the Stanford Chief Wellness Officer course. Dr. Harry has partnered with leading institutions across the country to advance research and share successful strategies in this domain. She continues to study and publish about the impact of systemic and cultural aspects of health care systems on individual well-being.
Dr. Harry earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology and biology from Santa Clara University and her medical degree and completed residency training in internal medicine at the University of Colorado. She has been a Macy Scholar for the Harvard Macy Institute, and she also completed the Brigham Leadership Program at Harvard.
What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
I believe that those who have dedicated their lives to improving the health and well-being of our community, and our healthcare team, are incredibly dedicated, altruistic, and mission-driven people. I know that we, healthcare as a whole, can do better by them. We can provide a work environment that supports them in their mission and helps build their professional fulfillment while delivering the highest quality care.
Why Michigan Medicine? Which attributes of this organization persuaded you to join us?
I was in awe of the collaborative, inclusive, and curious environment when I came to visit Michigan Medicine. I love the humility, intellectual vigor, and enthusiasm people bring to problem-solving. With those attitudes, we can solve any problem.
What advice would you give others who wish to serve in a similar leadership role?
Reach out. If someone is doing interesting research, gives an inspiring talk, or publishes a book or article - reach out to them and ask to connect. In my experience, people are incredibly open to support, mentor, and guide, so if you see someone doing something that lights you up, reach out to them.
