From a Crack House to Johns Hopkins Surgeon: Dr. James Harris | WebbMD Podcast

Raised in a crack house in Fresno, California, and a father at just 15, Dr. James Harris faced a future that could have ended in prison or tragedy. Instead, he became a general surgeon at Johns Hopkins. In this episode of the WebbMD Podcast, Dr. Antonio Webb sits down with Dr. Harris, author of “Not Who I Once Was,” for an honest conversation about poverty, gang violence, teenage fatherhood, and the mentor who helped him see a different future. Dr. Harris shares his journey to UCLA medical school, the financial struggles of surgical residency, and how his son’s traumatic brain injury changed his career, his faith, and his approach to caring for patients. They also discuss what makes a strong residency applicant, why grit matters, and how to make time for family while building a demanding career. Your past doesn’t have to define your future.