Born a Jeffersonian

Irisa Gold

William Valentine Harrer, MD ’62 treasures his Jefferson legacy, which can be traced back to more than a century ago.

Born at Jefferson Medical College Hospital (now Thomas Jefferson University Hospital) in 1937, Harrer’s Jefferson journey actually originates earlier. Two of his uncles graduated from Jefferson — John Cushing Baker, MD, in 1926, and Daniel Clifton Baker, MD, in 1933.

Harrer says that it was his mother’s pride in her brothers that led him to Jefferson’s door. “I was very fortunate to have that kind of background and inspiration,” he shares. “Ever since I was a kid, I never thought of anything else than becoming a physician. It stayed with me.”

After graduating from St. Joseph’s University with a BS in biology, he graduated from Jefferson in 1962 with honors. “The professorial staff was tremendous, and I felt the education I received would hold me steady for my entire professional career,” he says.

Following his acceptance for a residency in OB-GYN at Jefferson, Harrer was forced to resign when he was drafted and became a second lieutenant in the Army. However, when medical conditions kept him from being called to active duty, he immediately returned to his studies. After completing his internship, he secured a position in a pathology program, beginning his first year at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Reading, Pennsylvania, before transferring to the Philadelphia Veterans Administration Hospital for a broader course of study in anatomic and clinical pathology.

The continuous learning opportunities offered by the specialty intrigued Harrer. “You can apply the things you learn to clinical practice and aid in the treatment team for the patients admitted to your institution,” he explains. “You diagnose the disease and then learn how that impacts the patient.”

Following residency, he was interviewed and hired at Jefferson by Gonzalo Aponte, MD ’52. After spending three and a half years in the hospital and teaching program, he was recruited to the position of laboratory director at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center in Camden, New Jersey, where he spent 42 years before retiring in May 2012.

“It was as a wonderful experience,” he shares. “It was like Jefferson came with me, because there were six members of the class of 1962 working at Lourdes.”

While there, Harrer organized programs including sickle cell disease screening in the Camden schools. “The idea was to try to develop a program that would be of value to the population in the city and also help with future medical problems that might develop if individuals did have sickle cell disease,” he explains. “It was a cooperative effort from my laboratory, the hospital community, and the citizens of Camden.”

From the beginning, education was a priority for Harrer. After his early expertise in effusion cytology led to his publishing and teaching on the subject, he not only joined Camden County College as a clinical adjunct professor participating in the training of many medical technicians, but he also served as a professor of Pathology and Cell Biology at Sidney Kimmel Medical College. “I love the continued learning,” he shares. “To be able to impart that to somebody that’s going to be around a lot longer than me, who can pick up that knowledge and add to it, it’s a continuation of the practice of medicine.”

Harrer has remained active in pathology professionally throughout his career, serving as president of the New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners for two years and as a member for nine, and as president of the New Jersey Society of Pathologists. In addition, he served on the Board of Governors of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) for six years, chaired the Government and Professional Affairs Committee, led the CAP delegation to the American Medical Association for over 15 years, and served as a member of the CAP Foundation Board of Trustees. He continues in an advisory role for the CAP Foundation and received the CAP Outstanding Service Award in 2023.

“That was all a recognition of myself individually, he says. “But because of my Jefferson education and connection, I felt all of that was part of Jefferson.”

Harrer’s devotion to Jefferson has spanned decades. He remains the Class Ambassador for the Class of 1962 and also served as president of the Alumni Association, editor of the Alumni Bulletin, and represented the alumni on the Board of Trustees. “Jefferson has given me so much, and I just wanted to give back to the institution,” he shares. “I hope my children saw the love and inspiration being a physician gave me, and they decided that career was for them."

In addition to his uncles and his brother, Daniel Clifton Harrer, MD ’67, Harrer’s Jefferson legacy lives on through his sons, William Valentine Harrer, Jr., MD ’89, and Michael Francis Harrer, MD ’93; son-in-law James Purtill, MD ’93; and granddaughter Samantha Harrer, MD ’22. In addition, his granddaughter Caroline Purtill and grandson William Purtill are currently enrolled in the SKMC classes of 2026 and 2029, respectively.

“Pop truly was an inspiration to me,” says son William. “Jefferson seemed to be a good fit for me, and knowing that my father went there and did so well was definitely a driving force. It is exciting to be a part of his legacy.”

Once Jefferson is in your blood, it’s continuous.

“My father is a perfect example of a Jefferson alumnus,” says son Michael. “He works very hard, cares for everyone, and is guided by only doing the right thing. I am where I am today because of my parents. My father would say also because we went to Jefferson.”

“When I knew medicine was my calling, I only applied to Jefferson for medical school,” shares his granddaughter Samantha. “One incredibly special memory I have is my grandfather hooding me at my medical school graduation. I feel so blessed to have had that experience with him. I received a fantastic medical education at Jefferson. It will also hold a special place in my heart because when I think of Jefferson, I think of my family.”

White Coat Ceremonies were not held during Harrer’s time at Jefferson, yet he recalls that one of the highlights of his medical career took place this past August, when he attended one for the first time for his grandson William’s Class of 2029. “To see 290+ bright, enthusiastic, intelligent students wanting to pursue a career in medicine was just heart-lifting,” he says.

Harrer’s dedication to his alma mater has never waned. “I still want to be part of Jefferson,” he says. “I was recently invited to run for the alumni board and have been on the board for a year and a half. I am on some committees, and am getting to know new people. It’s over a hundred years of tradition; of a family lineage; of being part of Jefferson; giving back to Jefferson; and still wanting to give more to Jefferson. Once Jefferson is in your blood, it’s continuous.”

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