Finding Your Niche: Dr. Jason Harms '05

It’s no secret that a career in the medical field requires years of dedication, and at times, sacrifice. But for Dr. Jason Harms '05, spine surgeon with Resurgens Orthopaedics Atlanta, the destination has always been worth the journey. Now over a decade into his orthopedic surgery career, Dr. Harms lives at the intersection of two sometimes conflicting truths: his job is very hard, and he very much loves it.  

When Dr. Harms graduated from Holy Innocents' in 2005, his first stop was Emory University, where he studied neuroscience and behavioral biology. His interest in science and hands-on work had been lifelong, and after a year spent as a lab technician for a biotech company, it was time for him to begin his medical education at the Medical College of Augusta (MCG.) 

“I was always very hands-on as a child, and when I was in college I knew I wanted to go into medicine. It was a fun, ‘fixing a problem’ career choice for me,” Dr. Harms said. “When I got into medical school, orthopedics was SO cool… you have patients with pain that’s been going on for years, and they’ve been suffering, and it’s amazing that you can do a surgery and in two hours, they’re back out of the operating room and the pain was gone instantly.” 

As his four years of medical school drew to a close, spinal surgery became increasingly alluring, and Dr. Harms began his five-year residency at MCG for orthopedic surgery.  

“I was fortunate enough during residency to spend time with some amazing spine surgeons, and to see hands-on how they practice, it drew me in immediately. It was amazing…the life-altering experiences for these patients really drew me in.”  

After a one-year fellowship at West Virginia University School of Medicine, and a grueling Board Certification process with the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, Dr. Harms’ 13 years of education and professional training was complete. After two years of practicing spine surgery in Tennessee, Dr. Harm and his wife, Erin, along with their two sons Henry and Oliver, moved back to Georgia where he joined the Johns Creek branch of Resurgens Orthopaedics, the largest orthopedics group in metro-Atlanta.  

When asked about what advice he would offer to HIES students and alumni who are interested in medicine, Dr. Harms didn’t shy away from the realities of the hard work required. But, he emphasizes, the ends justify the means if you’re truly passionate about healthcare. 

“Medical school is a massive time commitment and a massive workload…and it’s so completely worth it. You’re going to spend a decade in training. I can’t stress enough that it IS worth it, but when you’re 14 hours into a shift, or sitting in the library at 2:00 a.m. in med school studying, the thing that’ll keep you going is a love for what you’re doing.”  

Dr. Harms started at HIES in eighth grade and continued through to graduation, predictably enjoying his science classes but also keeping busy playing varsity basketball. He looks back with a laugh at his brief stint in musical theatre as he joined the cast of the Upper School musical, “Bye Bye Birdie,” his senior year.  

Dr. Harms’ career is a testament to the success that comes from a combination of hard work, big aspirations and a passion for the job. When reflecting on his journey, Dr. Harms certainly speaks of his career accomplishments with pride, but his family is dearest to his heart.  

"I love my job… getting Board Certified for me was the big hallmark moment in my career, but ultimately my wife and children are the thing I’m most proud of. My family is the best thing about my life.”