The Shared Pursuit of Healing and Compassion

By Stacey Walters

In the heart of the mountains stands the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine. Its corridors echo the footsteps of medical students eager to learn, heal and make a difference. Among them was Gregory Harris, D.O., KYCOM ’10, a bright and determined student who dreamed of becoming a doctor since childhood.

Originally from Hattiesburg, Miss., Harris’s journey through medical school was strenuous but rewarding. Harris spent countless hours studying, learning from knowledgeable professors and honing his skills through hands-on experience and emerged from KYCOM as a skilled physician, ready to embark on his career.

He completed his residency in internal medicine at Michigan State University Genesys Regional Medical Center in Grand Blanc, Mich., where he served as chief resident. While there, he also served as chief fellow during his fellowship in hematology and oncology.

Today, as a hematologist and oncologist at the Harbin Clinic in Rome, Ga., Harris believes in treating his patients as a whole unit of body, mind and spirit. He chose the field of oncology because it embraces all aspects of osteopathic medicine.

“The founding dean at KYCOM, Dr. John Strosnider, said if you listen to a patient long enough, they will tell you how to help them. It’s so simple but so true,” said Harris. “Oncology is a tough field mentally but incredibly rewarding. You have to think of the entire person and their families. Cancer is a tremendous physical and emotional challenge. I often feel like a coach having to pump up the team and pull them up from a big deficit while simultaneously remaining focused and positive by being realistic.”

Harris’s most recent accomplishment is serving the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners as a member of the Special Commission on Osteopathic Medical Licensure Assessment and the Independent Review Committee.

“Success is being able to give back. Giving to organizations that are important to me but also to the groups that made me successful,” said Harris. “Being considered a mentor is my favorite way to give back and is probably my greatest achievement. Knowing that I can help shape the lives and careers of physicians is incredibly humbling.”

Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle of his professional life, he will never forget the place that had shaped him into the doctor he has become. Harris officially became a UPIKE Board of Trustee member in 2023 and realized his journey had come full circle. He had entered KYCOM as an eager student, seeking knowledge and guidance. Now he is giving back with hopes of making the university a hub for all medicine, producing the best medical professionals in the country.

I was at a good point in my career to take on the responsibility of being a trustee for UPIKE,” said Harris. “I believe the only way to make effective change is to be at the table making the changes.

Harris’s wife, whom he met during medical school, Sonbol A. Shahid-Salles, D.O., KYCOM ’10, is an accomplished emergency physician and dedicated global health professional. Together, they are not just brilliant physicians and researchers but also visionary philanthropists.

“My wife and I established a fund to assist with travel and conference costs for medical students. Being able to alleviate some of the financial burden of presenting their research for residency seemed like an important thing for us to help tackle. This year, we will provide 20 $350 scholarships to KYCOM students,” said Harris. “The more graduates that participate in top-tier residencies, the more visible KYCOM becomes, and it fosters growth.”

The pair understands the true meaning of community and the power of coming together to make a difference. As they look toward the future, they know that no matter where life takes them, their connection to the university will always remain strong—a bond forged in the shared pursuit of healing and compassion.