PIDS Spotlight: Christy Phillips

Christy Phillips serves as executive director for the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society. Her 20+ year career with PIDS began as a temporary employee with the Infectious Diseases Society of America in 1996, which led to a permanent position prior to accepting a position with PIDS a year later. From receptionist to staff manager to executive director, she has assembled an intricate, detailed appreciation of the Society and what makes it special in healthcare.

By her own admission, she did not know that Infectious Diseases existed as a subspecialty before coming to work in ID. It was then that she learned about the role infectious diseases specialists play in patient care – from diagnosis, treatment, and management to vaccine development and lives saved because of ID specialists – and realized it was an honor to know and work with the amazing and dedicated professionals of pediatric ID.

“I have a vested interest in the Society’s mission and raising public awareness on the impact pediatric ID specialists have on improving children’s health worldwide, as well as the ripple effects of that care,” said Christy Phillips. “What I’ve enjoyed most is getting to meet and interact with PIDS members, some of whom are now friends, during events and meetings and I feel more connected with each encounter. Until my tenure ends, I will continue to assist in the Society’s efforts for a more inclusive and diverse workforce and promote the impact pediatric ID specialists have on improving children’s health for all.”

Christy took a non-traditional path to higher education. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in General Management, then a Master of Science Administration with a concentration in nonprofit management, and recently completed and successfully defended her Doctorate of Management, all while working at PIDS.