Brandon Lane Phillips - MD, DNBPAS, FAAP, FACC, FASE

Born and raised in rural Louisiana, Brandon Lane Phillips, M.D. was diagnosed shortly after birth with Tetralogy of Fallot, a complex congenital heart defect requiring multiple surgeries and lifelong follow-up. Inspired by the pediatric cardiologist who cared for him throughout his childhood, Brandon developed a deep desire to one day help children facing the same challenges. Like many patients with congenital heart disease, he also navigated a learning disability—yet he found ways to compensate, and ultimately graduated as valedictorian of his high school class.

Dr. Phillips earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Louisiana Tech University in 2000 before earning his medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine. He completed his general pediatrics residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and his fellowship in pediatric cardiology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He practiced as a pediatric cardiologist for six years in south Texas and later returned to Louisiana to continue serving families in underserved communities.

A defining moment in Brandon’s journey came when he received instruction from Dr. Thomas Vargo, the same physician who had once treated him as a child—bringing his journey full circle from patient to colleague. His medical career has been guided by empathy, faith, and a commitment to whole-person care.

Dr. Phillips has received several honors throughout his career, including being named Young Alumnus of the Year by Louisiana Tech University in 2006 and receiving the Robert C. Baird Award from Tulane University School of Medicine in 2004. During medical school, he published a personal essay in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reflecting on his experience undergoing open-heart surgery between his first and second years of training. He has since been invited to lecture medical students on pediatric cardiology and the physician-patient perspective.

Outside of medicine, Brandon has long been dedicated to service. He has served on the Board of Trustees for Starlight Children’s Foundation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Louisiana Chapter, and has worked with Samaritan’s Purse on the Children’s Heart Project, including a medical mission trip to Mongolia. He has also served as a camp counselor for children with heart disease and other chronic illnesses.

Brandon co-authored the memoir When I Wished Upon a Star with actor Jeremy Miller of Growing Pains, a story of unlikely friendship and shared resilience that has resonated with readers of all ages. He continues to write and speak nationally on topics such as disability, physician well-being, and congenital heart disease. His essays and commentary have appeared on Fox News, in JAMA, and other national media outlets. In 2025, he will serve as invited faculty at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference, where he will present on long-term outcomes and quality of life in Tetralogy of Fallot, drawing from both clinical evidence and his lived experience. He is working with a Hollywood producer and screenwriter to adapt his memoir to the screen.

Though health challenges eventually led him to step away from clinical practice, Dr. Phillips remains deeply committed to the world of medicine—as a storyteller, teacher, and advocate for children and physicians alike. He lives in West Monroe, Louisiana, where he is a member of Jackson Street Church of Christ and continues to share his journey with faith, humility, and hope.