Joan Phillips , M . D ., FAAP
Co-Medical Director of the Children ’ s Advocacy Center , Charleston Area Medical Center
AMANDA LARCH
Caring for children has always been a passion for Joan Phillips , M . D ., and she had a lot of practice growing up as the oldest of seven children , which prepared her for her future . Phillips , co-medical director of the Children ’ s Advocacy Center ( CAC ) at Charleston Area Medical Center ( CAMC ), has dedicated her career to helping children in need .
“ Caring for child abuse victims has become my ministry ,” she says . “ If I can relieve even a small amount of the effects of trauma for these children , then it is a successful day . I hope that my care is a step toward resiliency for my patients .”
After receiving her bachelor ’ s degree in biology and her medical degree from West Virginia University ( WVU ), Phillips operated a private practice as a pediatrician and worked in the sexual abuse clinic at the CAMC Women ’ s and Children ’ s Hospital for more than 20 years . She became frustrated and dismayed by the lack of coordination in the care of the victims , and in 2005 , she retired from her practice to help open the CAC .
“ We were working in silos , and I saw the need for a multidisciplinary approach to effectively care for the children ,” says Phillips . “ Our current CAC director , Maureen Runyon , had the vision and skill to make the CAC a reality . I followed her lead and became part of the team .”
In 2009 , Phillips became the first ped-
iatrician within the Mountain State to be board certified in child abuse pediatrics .
“ I have always strived for the next level of expertise ,” she says . “ The hours of work and study that I dedicated to pursuing this credential pushed me to learn more on how to best care for this pediatric population . It gives me a greater voice for the most vulnerable .”
In her current role as co-medical director of the CAC , Phillips provides medical evaluations for patients who are referred for possible abuse . Cases are then coordinated in a multidisciplinary investigative team ( MDIT ) meeting , which includes CAC staff , therapists , Child Protective Services ( CPS ), law enforcement and a
Photo by Kelly Cassell Photography .
prosecuting attorney .
“ This is done to ensure that all children receive care and services until the case is completed ,” says Philips . “ The challenging part is the number of children we see — in 2019 , the CAC evaluated 553 children — but my favorite part is seeing the MDIT work as a cohesive group .”
Outside of her role at the CAC , Phillips works closely with the West Virginia Child Abuse Network ( WVCAN ), striving to expand child advocacy efforts throughout the Mountain State .
“ WVCAN supports the development , growth and continuation of children ’ s advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams ,” she says . “ There are 21 children ’ s
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE