Dr. Harris is a double board-certified sports medicine physician who specializes in non-surgical treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. Her clinical focus is on optimizing performance, accelerating recovery, and minimizing the risk of reinjury for athletes and active individuals of all levels. With an emphasis on personalized, evidence-based care, Dr. Harris is committed to helping her patients return to the activities they love—stronger and more resilient. She is skilled in the use of diagnostic and interventional musculoskeletal ultrasound to both evaluate orthopedic injuries and enhance the precision of image-guided procedures. Dr. Harris offers a range of advanced injection therapies, including corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP), to reduce pain, improve function, and support tissue healing.
Dr. Harris completed her residency training at Rush University in Chicago, where she developed a strong foundation in comprehensive, patient-centered care. She went on to pursue advanced training through a non-operative sports medicine fellowship at Rothman Orthopaedics Florida at AdventHealth. Her diverse training background allows her to expertly manage a wide spectrum of athletic and overuse injuries with both precision and compassion.
During her fellowship, Dr. Harris gained extensive hands-on experience providing medical coverage to a broad spectrum of athletes and performance professionals. She worked with elite organizations including the Orlando Solar Bears (ECHL), Osceola Magic (NBA G League), Orlando Valkyries (Pro Volleyball Federation), Cirque du Soleil, WWE, and the Philadelphia Phillies during spring training. Her involvement also extended to collegiate and amateur athletics, offering physician support for the Pop-Tarts Bowl, Cheez-It Bowl, Cure Bowl, USA Volleyball tournaments, Walt Disney World endurance races, and numerous high schools throughout the Orlando area. This diverse experience has equipped her with a nuanced understanding of sport-specific biomechanics and the complex demands placed on high-performing athletes across all levels of competition.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Harris leads an active lifestyle and is passionate about health and movement in her own life. She enjoys strength training and regularly rides her Peloton as part of her consistent weekly fitness routine. During the winter months, she loves hitting the slopes and takes every opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. In the fall, you’ll often find her cheering on her favorite football teams—the University of Alabama and UCF—bringing the same energy and enthusiasm to the sidelines as she does to her practice.
Professional Profile
Education
- Fellowship, Primary Care Sports Medicine, Advent Health Orlando, Rothman Orthopaedics, Orlando, Florida
- Residency, Family Medicine, Rush University, Rush Copley Medical Center, Aurora, Illinois
- Doctor of Medicine, St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine, West Bay, Cayman Islands
- Bachelor of Science in Biology; Minor in Health Sciences, University of Central Florida, College of Sciences, Orlando, Florida
Titles & Certifications
- Board Certified, American Board of Family Medicine
- Sports Medicine Certificate of Additional Qualification, American Board of Family Medicine
Professional Associations
- Florida Academy of Family Physicians
Education
- Fellowship, Primary Care Sports Medicine, Advent Health Orlando, Rothman Orthopaedics, Orlando, Florida
- Residency, Family Medicine, Rush University, Rush Copley Medical Center, Aurora, Illinois
- Doctor of Medicine, St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine, West Bay, Cayman Islands
- Bachelor of Science in Biology; Minor in Health Sciences, University of Central Florida, College of Sciences, Orlando, Florida
Titles & Certifications
- Board Certified, American Board of Family Medicine
- Sports Medicine Certificate of Additional Qualification, American Board of Family Medicine
Professional Associations
- Florida Academy of Family Physicians
Publications
Acernese. A. (2024, Dec). Set for Success, Nutrition of the Volleyball Athlete. USA Volleyball.
Patel D, Acernese A. (2022). Ultrasound-Guided Joint Aspiration and Injection. DynaMed Plus. From
http://www.dynamed.com.
Patel D, Acernese A. (2021). Upper Extremity Diagnostic Ultrasound for Bone and Joint Conditions in Adults.
DynaMed Plus. From http://www.dynamed.com.
Patel D, Acernese A. (2021). Lower Extremity Diagnostic Ultrasound for Bone and Joint Conditions in Adults.
DynaMed Plus. From http://www.dynamed.com.