advocacy centers in West Virginia . I have worked with this amazing group so the children from the northern panhandle to the southernmost portions of West Virginia and those in between receive the same quality of care no matter where they are living . I worked with WVCAN and a team to expand the number of providers across the state to provide medical services to children close to their home .”
Phillips gives back to her community whenever she can , and she is eager to use her skills to train and teach others . As an associate professor in WVU ’ s Department of Pediatrics , Phillips mentors medical students and residents and stresses the importance of advocacy .
“ It is important for those in training to have a solid foundation of the meaning of advocacy ,” she says . “ I have also done many trainings for CPS and law enforcement to help bridge the gap between our
individual work focus and improve the multidisciplinary approach .”
When she retires , Phillips ’ goal is to become more involved with resiliency programs and more hands-on in programs such as Camp Appalachia , which helps children work through the adverse experiences they have endured .
Above all else , she says she considers her greatest success to be raising her daughters following the death of her husband , a West Virginia state trooper and her high school sweetheart .
“ Raising two girls to become strong , independent , educated women who love their families and are dedicated to their work and community is my greatest source of pride ,” she says . “ The greatest successes are often found in small actions . I can only hope that my actions make a positive difference in the lives of children .” •
Children ’ s Advocacy Center
The Children ’ s Advocacy Center ( CAC ) at the Charleston Area Medical Center ( CAMC ) opened in 2005 and has since served thousands of children in need . Joan Phillips , M . D ., co-medical director of the CAC , provides medical evaluations in outand inpatient settings . In recent years , as a result of the opioid epidemic , the CAC staff has witnessed an increase of children suffering neglect .
“ In the outpatient setting of the CAC , the majority of my patients are victims of sexual abuse ,” says Phillips . “ I observe or discuss the patient ’ s forensic interview prior to a complete physical exam and lab evaluation , and in the inpatient setting , I am consulted for children when abuse is suspected . The cases are primarily physical abuse cases such as abusive head trauma , fractures and bruises .”
The CAC provides support services , including victim advocacy and case management services , and trauma-focused therapy is offered on-site as well . Each patient is provided with a personalized care plan best suited to their needs and a multidisciplinary investigative team .
“ Vicarious trauma is always a challenge in this work ,” says Phillips . “ Our director , Maureen Runyon ; manager , Kelly Gilbert ; and the administration at CAMC Women ’ s and Children ’ s Hospital recognize the challenge and seek ways to mitigate the risks . The work is heavy , but they find ways to keep the team healthy .”
Families are not charged for services provided by the CAC .
“ The biggest asset of the CAC that is most rewarding is the incredible CAC team ,” says Phillips . “ The staff exhibits the utmost professionalism intertwined with compassion . From the moment a family enters the door , they are treated with kindness and respect .”
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