Education & Training
Fellowship:
Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
Residency:
William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan
Medical School:
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Undergraduate School:
Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan
Associations
Board Certifications:
American Board of Surgery
Fellow:
American College of Surgeons, American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
Member:
American College of Surgeons, American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, New Hanover-Pender County Medical Society, North Carolina Medical Society
Effective February 1, 2025
After more than 25 years of devoted service to his patients, Dr. Jim Harris is stepping into much-deserved retirement. While we wish him great joy in this new chapter of life, we certainly will miss his vitality and surgical leadership here at Wilmington Surgical. Wishing you all the best, Dr. Harris!
Mission & Approach
“As someone who has always been intrigued by human anatomy and physiology, medicine invariably seemed like an ideal fit for me. Throughout medical school, I was exposed to a variety of specialties and admit that I tried hard to find one that I liked more than General Surgery. Surely, I thought, there was an easier path; one that might be shorter, less mentally and physically demanding, and require less personal sacrifices. In the end, I picked General Surgery because it so matched my interests and skills. Today I can say that, truly, there is no job that I would rather do.
After my medical training, I was privileged to serve in the US Army as a surgeon caring for our soldiers and their families. I also spent time in academics researching and advancing the art of surgery. I am particularly proud to have been at the forefront of developing techniques in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. Now in private practice I continue to practice those techniques and specialize in benign and malignant conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. As well, a portion of my practice is dedicated to weight loss surgery – an extremely rewarding surgery that can have such a positive impact on a person’s life. I get great satisfaction from fixing a problem, especially when it is for the betterment of another person.
As a goal-oriented person and surgeon, I will always carefully investigate a patient’s issue to determine exactly what the problem is and then determine whether surgery is the best course of action. If so, I formulate a plan to proceed in the safest and most effective manner. Whatever the situation, I always strive to carefully explain everything to my patients in an understandable manner and to treat them exactly how I would like to be treated; with compassion, patience, professionalism and excellence.
Medicine aside, perhaps my proudest accomplishment in life is having raised two sons as a single father. I was fortunate to have grown up in a large family in the upper peninsula of Michigan and can say that I value the family unit more than anything else.”
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"Dr. Harris was very attentive and listened to everything I had to say."
“Dr. Harris was very attentive and listened to everything I had to say. He offered alternatives on what my problem could be and where I should go next. Even though my issue wasn’t something he dealt with, that didn’t stop him from doing everything he could to assist me on a next step, and he did it very patiently. He has helped my daughter and done surgery on my mother and we are very pleased and satisfied with the level of care we all have received through Wilmington Surgical and Dr. Harris.
I highly recommend Dr. Harris and Wilmington Surgical.” -
"Dr. Harris is an excellent surgeon and physician"
“Dr. Harris is an excellent surgeon and physician…I have utmost regard for his ability and knowledge. I am a retired physician and have an excellent understanding of what medical care entails and Dr. Harris is excellent.”
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"An excellent surgeon"
“Dr. Harris is an excellent surgeon…performed my two previous surgeries. Would recommend him to anybody.”
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"A rock star!"
“Dr. Harris is a rock star and Madeline was awesome.”
