[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 157 (Wednesday, September 28, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S5221]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO DR. JOAN PHILLIPS

 Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the legacy of Dr. 
Joan Phillips for her many years of service dedicated to child well-
being and to all people of West Virginia.
  I have often said there is no greater accomplishment than to find 
yourself in a position to give back to the community you love. Dr. 
Phillips embodies giving, always willing to lend support and knowledge 
to those in need throughout her career.
  Protecting and serving vulnerable people was her passion, one that 
motivated her throughout four decades of professional work. Dr. 
Phillips is viewed by her colleagues, and rightfully so, as an advocate 
for vulnerable children of West Virginia. Most recently serving as the 
co-medical director of Child Advocacy Center of Charleston Area Medical 
Center, her list of accomplishments is staggering, continuously 
pioneering child advocacy standards across the region.
  As West Virginia's first ever board-certified child abuse 
pediatrician, Dr. Phillips has always been pivotable in ensuring that 
the children of our State receive the correct level of care. Over the 
course of her admirable career, Dr. Phillips has changed countless 
lives, both internally through the Child Advocacy Network and 
externally consulting through private practice. As a result of her 
efforts, she was in the first round of child abuse subspeciality 
recognized by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
  Dr. Phillips always made time to consult on cases and never turned 
down the opportunity to assist regardless of location. Other 
physicians, law enforcement officers and child protective services 
workers regularly sought her expertise and advice.
  Over the years, Dr. Phillips held many leadership roles, including 
president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, numerous boards of 
local and statewide organizations, community health agencies, family 
service agencies, as well as State and national committees related to 
issues regarding child well-being.
  Not only did Dr. Philips fiercely dedicate her time to advancing 
child healthcare, but she also found time to pass her knowledge along 
to others. She regularly presented at conferences, mentored other child 
abuse medical providers and taught within medical and residency 
programs at West Virginia University and Marshall University. I know 
she has inspired many young leaders throughout her illustrious career, 
and I am confident they will carry the torch to ensure a brighter 
tomorrow. Truly, her legacy of dedication to health and childcare 
services is one we should all instill in ourselves.
  With an unrivaled, strong spirit of optimism and innovation, her 
commitment to preventing and treating child abuse in our communities is 
something to admire. Her work has undoubtedly changed the quality of 
healthcare in the State of West Virginia. I will always be grateful to 
Dr. Phillips for her lifetime of influential work.
  While she is retiring and everyone is sure to miss her strong 
leadership, Dr. Phillips' unwavering dedication will leave a lasting 
legacy on the countless lives she has touched. Again, I congratulate 
Dr. Phillips for her remarkable years of service and her outstanding 
dedication to improving our great Nation, and I am honored to wish good 
health and much happiness to her and her family in the days and years 
ahead.

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