Harris Milton Hauser, M.D.

Harris enjoyed golfing and watching football, dancing with his wife, skiing, and wine appreciation. However, the two driving forces in his life were family and medicine.

Born in Galveston, Texas, on the 20th of October 1932, Harris was the oldest son of the late Florence and Abe Hauser. He was the patriarch of a large family, that includes children Terri Lynn Hauser, Henry David Hauser (deceased), Karen Hauser Penner (Murry), John Bradley Hauser (Truly), Ann Hauser Laufman (Ronnie), Heather Hauser Reichstein (Randy), and Edward Harris Hauser. His line extends to 13 grandchildren: Ryan (Elizabeth), Josh, Jeremy, Alex (deceased), Aven, Andy (Gerlie), Amanda, Hannah, Natalie, Hailey (Karim), Wiliam, Lexi, and Marisa. A visit by his great-grandchildren Malia, Kea, Axel, Liam, Morris, Noah and Maite always brought a special smile to Harris’s face.

A real-life “Doogie Howser,” Harris graduated from San Jacinto High School at the age of 16, breezed through the University of Texas, and fulfilled his own childhood ambition, receiving his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine at the age of only 22. After a residency at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, he launched his medical career at Brooke Army Hospital in San Antonio. Upon his return to Houston, Harris and his father founded the Hauser Clinic. He was followed into the medical profession and the practice of psychiatry by his three younger brothers – Robert, Ronald and Charles – as part of a family medical dynasty that includes two nephews, Lawrence and Donald and one niece Michele. Grandniece Aliyah graduated from medical school this spring, and granddaughter Marisa recently submitted her own medical school application.

Board certified in both psychiatry and neurology, Dr. Hauser was a pioneer in field of nuclear medicine. An early adapter of electroencephalography to unlock the secrets of the brain, he followed by bringing one of the first CAT Scanners to Houston’s growing medical community, and developed an early MRI scanner. He was appointed in the 1980s to serve on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Panel on Medical Devices.

During a distinguished medical career spanning six decades, Harris earned numerous honors from his peers and held leadership roles in multiple professional organizations, notably the Harris County Medical Society, the Texas Medical Association, and nationally the American Medical Association (where he served as a delegate), the American Psychiatric Association, and the American Academy of Neurology. Governor Rick Perry tapped Dr. Hauser to serve on the Texas Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee, which he chaired. He was a founding member of the board of the John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science, an affiliate of the Smithsonian.

Dr. Hauser hung up his stethoscope in 2018, reluctantly because, as he said, he simply enjoyed seeing and helping patients.

A memorial service is to be conducted at ten o’clock in the morning on Tuesday, the 25th of June 2024, in the sanctuary of Congregation Beth Israel, 5600 N. Braeswood Blvd in Houston, where Rabbi Adrienne P. Scott, Senior Associate Rabbi is to officiate

For those unable to attend the service in person, virtual attendance may be accessed by visiting Dr. Hauser online memorial tribute at GeoHLewis.com and selecting the "Join Livestream" icon on the service section. While there you may also share fond memories and words of comfort and condolences with his family by selecting the “Add a Memory” icon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be directed to the John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science, 1515 Hermann Dr., Houston, TX 77004, the Alzheimer’s Association, 6055 S. Loop E, Houston, TX 77087; or to a charity of one’s choice.