Dr. Stuart Harris, Former JET Program Participant, Returns to Japan to Aid Earthquake & Tsunami Victims
Dr. Stuart Harris, a former Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program participant, traveled to the area affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake in March and helped many people who needed medical care. In recognition of the emergency medical services that he provided, Dr. Harris received the Symbols of Hope Award from the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America and the John Thayer III Award from the Japan Society of Boston.
Dr. Stuart Harris
Born in Nashville, Tennessee in 1967. He participated in the JET Program from 1989 to 1991, working as an assistant English teacher in Iwaizumi, Iwate Prefecture. Dr. Harris is the head of Massachusetts General Hospital’s Division of Wilderness Medicine, specializing in the care of patients without access to hospitals and traditional medical care. Three days after hearing about the massive earthquakes and tsunami on March 11, he went to Japan to volunteer, caring for more than 1,000 people in one week. His experiences as a JET Program participant in Iwate prompted him to return there to help.
The JET Program
The JET Program was established by the Japanese Government in 1987 with the dual objectives of improving foreign language education in Japanese public schools and promoting grass-roots international exchange. JET creates opportunities for people from other nations to live and work in communities throughout the country, sharing their own culture while learning about Japan and connecting with local people.
The Symbols of Hope Award
May 17, 2011, The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, PhRMA, hosted a dinner in Tokyo and presented awards to 6 people, including Dr. Harris, who helped and supported many victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Read the text of Dr. Harris’ speech at the ceremony here.
John E. Thayer, III Award
June 9, 2001, The Japan Society of Boston held its annual dinner and awarded the John E. Thayer, III Award to Dr. Harris and two Japanese doctors for their contributions to cultural exchange between Japan and the United States.
http://www.japansocietyboston.org/Thayer
The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program
http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jet/
http://www.jetprogramme.org/
http://usa.jetalumni.org
Articles and interviews about Dr. Harris in the media
http://english.kyodonews.jp/news/2011/03/82003.html
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2011/03/22/mgh-doctor-parts-of-japan-wiped-away-by-quake-tsunami/
http://www.wbur.org/2011/03/17/mgh-doc
http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2011/03/at-ground-zero-in-coastal-japan/
Press Releases from Mass General Hospital
http://www.massgeneral.org/about/newsarticle.aspx?id=2762
http://www.massgeneral.org/about/newsarticle.aspx?id=2674