After receiving his medical degree from Howard University School of Medicine in Washington, DC , Dr. Norris completed an internship and a residency at Howard University Hospital , also in Washington, DC , where he served as chief resident in the Department of Internal Medicine. Dr. Norris then completed fellowships in nephrology at the University of California at Los Angeles School of Medicine and at Wadsworth VA Medical Center in Los Angeles. Board-certified in internal medicine and nephrology, Dr. Norris is also certified as a specialist in clinical hypertension by the American Society of Hypertension, Inc. Additionally, he is a Reiki Master and received a PhD in metaphysics, spirituality, and holistic health at the College of Metaphysical Studies and New Age Ministries in Clearwater, Florida.

Dr. Norris’ research interests focus on the impact and outcomes of chronic kidney disease in African American and Latino populations, the role of vitamin D in chronic kidney disease, calcium management in end-stage renal disease, and hypertension. Dr. Norris is a member of the NIH Study Section for the National Center for Research Resources, the NIH/National Center for Research Resources Strategic Planning workgroup, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and the National Kidney Foundation’s Kidney Early Evaluation Program Steering Committee. A frequent presenter in both professional and academic settings, Dr. Norris has co-authored more than 250 journal articles and textbook chapters, and over 200 abstracts. He is editor-in-chief of the journal Ethnicity & Disease. Dr. Norris currently holds professional memberships in the American College of Physicians, the American Society of Nephrology, the Renal Physicians Association (former member, board of directors), American Association of Kidney Patients (member, medical advisory board) and the National Medical Association, among many others. Dr. Norris was elected into the Alpha Omega Alpha, Medical Honor Society in 1980 and inducted into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame (Science) in 2003.