William Valentine Harrer, MD '62
William Valentine Harrer, a native of Philadelphia, was born at Jefferson Hospital in 1937 and has continued a lifelong association with Jefferson.
He graduated from St. Joseph’s University with a B.S. in Biology, and he graduated from Jefferson Medical College in 1962 with honors in OB-GYN. Dr. Harrer completed his residency in Pathology at Philadelphia Veterans Administration Hospital. His first professional position was at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital where he was interviewed and hired by Gonzalo Aponte, MD '52. He is Board Certified in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology. Currently, he is Professor of Pathology and Cell Biology at SKMC.
Dr. Harrer became Laboratory Director at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, Camden N.J., in August 1970, continuing in that position until his retirement in May 2012, a span of 42 years. During his tenure at Lourdes, he organized Sickle Cell Screening programs in Camden schools and Stillborn Fetal programs. In his position as Clinical Adjunct Professor at Camden County College, Dr. Harrer participated in the training of many medical technicians, many of whom remain in South Jersey. He was also privileged to be involved with UMDNJ School of Osteopathic Medicine during the school’s affiliation with Lourdes.
Dr. Harrer was a member of the New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners and served as its President for two years. Dr. Harrer also served on the Board of Governors of the CAP (College of American Pathologists) for six years, chairing the Government & Professional Affairs Committee. Dr. Harrer served as Chair of the CAP delegation to the AMA and was a member of the Board of Trustees of the CAP Foundation. He continues in an advisory role for the CAP Foundation. He recently was the recipient of the CAP Outstanding Service Award.
Loyalty to his Medical College has been part of his persona for years, having served as mentor to students, President Alumni Association, Editor Alumni Bulletin, Alumni representative on Board of Trustees, Class Agent, Chairman Alumni Travel, Co- host Alumni receptions at AMA meetings.
He is very proud of his family ties with the medical college which include his two sons, Drs. William and Michael Harrer, granddaughter, Dr. Samantha Harrer, son-in-law, Dr. James Purtill, brother, Dr. Daniel Harrer, and uncles Drs. John and Daniel Baker.