News Summary
Dr. Steven J. Phillips, a prominent military physician and cardiac surgeon, has significantly impacted healthcare, especially for veterans. With a storied career including a historic heart transplant and the establishment of a disaster preparedness center, his contributions are notable. Now retired, he continues to advocate for veteran welfare and improve healthcare standards, residing in Coronado with his family.
Coronado, California – Dr. Steven J. Phillips, a prominent figure in both military medicine and public health, has left a significant mark from his years of service in the U.S. Army Reserve to his pioneering contributions in cardiac surgery and disaster preparedness. Now retired, Dr. Phillips’ illustrious career encompasses a wide range of achievements that reflect his commitment to healthcare and the well-being of veterans.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Phillips was influenced by figures such as Jackie Robinson and Alfred E. Newman. He took his athletic talents to Hobart College in Geneva, New York, where he played lacrosse before pursuing a medical degree at Tufts University School of Medicine. His journey into the military began when he enlisted, and he served two tours in Vietnam between 1968 and 1970 as a member of the 101st Airborne Division, stationed primarily at Camp Eagle in Phu Bai.
During his time in Vietnam, Dr. Phillips displayed not only medical expertise but also resilience and creativity, notably spending free time surfing despite the challenging conditions of war. As a Captain of a medical platoon, he provided essential surgical care under combat conditions and played a critical role in reopening a medical school in Hue, which had been devastated during the Tet Offensive. His service continued as he triaged patients at the 27th Surgical Hospital in Chu Lai, addressing urgent medical needs within the armed forces.
Following his return from Vietnam, Dr. Phillips was nominated to the Department of Experimental Surgery at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, where he participated in groundbreaking medical advancements. On December 6, 1967, he became part of history as a member of the first surgical team in the U.S. to successfully perform a human heart transplant, marking a significant step forward in cardiac medicine.
In 1974, Dr. Phillips launched a heart surgery program in Des Moines, Iowa, which eventually became the largest private heart surgery program in the United States. His contributions to medical science are reflected in over 140 peer-reviewed publications and six patents that are influential in the fields of cardiac surgery and emergency medicine.
As the 20th century progressed, Dr. Phillips transitioned to public health, taking on a senior role at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, in 1999. There, he established the Disaster Information Management Research Center, recognized as the world’s first center focusing on disaster informatics and national disaster preparedness, which received congressional approval for its creation.
Throughout his exceptional career, Dr. Phillips has been honored for his service, including recognition by the Secretary of Defense for his contributions to the health and management of wounded, ill, and injured service members. He co-founded the Western Slope Veterans Coalition in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, and has been heavily involved in veteran support organizations, including serving on the board of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Reception Center, and holding lifelong memberships in the 101st Airborne Association, UDT/SEAL Association, and Veterans of Foreign Wars, Chapter 0641.
Dr. Phillips resides in Coronado with his wife, Susan Zeff Phillips. Together, they are proud parents to five children and have nine grandchildren. His continued dedication to serving veterans and improving healthcare remains an integral part of his legacy.
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Additional Resources
- Coronado Times: Avenue of Heroes – Steven J. Phillips
- Coronado News: Coronado’s Avenue of the Heroes – LTC Steven J. Phillips
- Imperial Beach News: Article on Steven J. Phillips
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Steven Phillips
- Google Search: Steven Phillips cardiac surgery
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
