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

Dr. Brandon Lane Phillips is a board-certified pediatric cardiologist, author, speaker, and congenital heart disease advocate whose life has uniquely bridged the worlds of patient and physician.

Born and raised in rural Louisiana, Brandon was diagnosed shortly after birth with Tetralogy of Fallot, a complex congenital heart defect requiring multiple surgeries and lifelong medical care. Inspired by the pediatric cardiologist who guided him through childhood, he dreamed of one day helping children facing similar challenges. Along the way, he also learned to navigate a learning disability—ultimately graduating as valedictorian of his high school class.

Dr. Phillips earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Louisiana Tech University before receiving his medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine. He completed residency training in pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine and fellowship training in pediatric cardiology at Mayo Clinic.

A defining moment in Brandon’s journey came when he trained under Thomas Vargo—the same physician who had once cared for him as a child—bringing his story full circle from patient to colleague. Throughout his career, Dr. Phillips cared for children with congenital heart disease in underserved communities, guided by empathy, faith, and the belief that medicine is most meaningful when physicians care for the whole person.

His work has been recognized through honors including Young Alumnus of the Year from Louisiana Tech University and the Robert C. Baird Award from Tulane University School of Medicine. During medical school, he published a personal essay in the Journal of the American Medical Association reflecting on his experience undergoing open-heart surgery between his first and second years of training—an early example of the storytelling that would later become central to his advocacy.

Beyond clinical medicine, Dr. Phillips has dedicated himself to service and mentorship. He has served on the Board of Trustees for the Starlight Children’s Foundation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, worked with Samaritan's Purse on behalf of children with congenital heart disease, and participated in an international medical mission to Mongolia. He has also served as a camp counselor for children living with heart disease and chronic illness.

Dr. Phillips is the co-author of the memoir When I Wished Upon a Star with Jeremy Miller of Growing Pains, a story of unlikely friendship, resilience, and hope that has resonated with readers of all ages. His essays and commentary have appeared in JAMA, on Fox News, and in national media. He has been invited to lecture nationally on congenital heart disease, disability, physician well-being, and the physician-patient perspective, including invited faculty presentations for the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference on long-term outcomes and quality of life in Tetralogy of Fallot.

Although health challenges ultimately required him to step away from full-time clinical practice, Dr. Phillips remains deeply connected to medicine through teaching, advocacy, writing, and mentorship. He serves as Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine and enjoys investing in the next generation through mentoring and teaching at a local private school in his community—work that has brought renewed purpose, meaningful connection, and perspective.

He lives in West Monroe, where he continues to teach, write, speak, and advocate for children, physicians, and families navigating illness, disability, and adversity with faith, humility, and hope.