MOVERS AND SHAKERS: Dr. Holly Phillips, Medical Reporter for WCBS-TV
Dr. Holly Phillips joined WCBS-TV in January 2007 as medical reporter. She is also a medical contributor for CBS “The Early Show.”
Dr. Phillips is a Board Certified General Internist in private practice in New York. She received her medical training at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan. She also maintains hospital affiliation and admitting privileges, as well as resident teaching responsibilities for the Department of Internal Medicine at Lenox Hill
Prior to joining CBS Dr. Phillips was a frequent contributor and medical expert for media outlets including NBC News, ABC News, CNN, MSNBC, CNBC and Fox News. She has contributed to health columns for magazines such as Vogue, Town and Country, “O” The Oprah Magazine, Cosmo and Gotham, and has also published articles relating to the use of complimentary and alternative medicine within the framework of traditional medical practice.
Dr. Phillips graduated cum laude from Williams College in Williamstown, MA with a B.A. in English literature, and went on to receive her medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York. Dr. Phillips currently resides in New York City. We are so pleased to present her as our latest Mover and Shaker!
Peachy Deegan interviewed Dr. Holly Phillips for Whom You Know.
Peachy Deegan: What inspired you to become a doctor?
Dr. Holly Phillips: My interest in medicine came rather late, ironically while an English major in college. I longed for a people oriented career that would make a difference. Medicine is the only job I can imagine having…
How did you first combine being a doctor with being on television?
I was invited to be a guest on Fox News and the Today Show, and my career just blossomed from there. After a few years of guest appearances I felt like educating the public about health was just a good fit for me, and I made my way over to CBS. I still maintain a private practice however, that’s what keeps me connected to what patients want to know.
What television programs have you enjoyed participating in the most and why?
I’ve enjoyed my daily reports on CBS2 news as well as contributing to CBS “The Early Show” – In these television venues I feel like I can truly contribute to the content of the show and help shape the message we’re putting out.
What health concerns are the most prevalent in the news currently and how do you address them? This fall we’ve been very focused on the H1N1 flu virus, tracking its severity and prevalence. I try always to give people useful information without instilling unnecessary panic.
Are more people susceptible to catching a cold in the Winter? Why or why not?
Studies have shown we are more susceptible in the winter, in large part because we’re inside more, in closer contact with one another. There are also some theories that the virus that causes the common cold is more hearty in colder temperatures.
We recently started a column "Sick Peachy Feel Better" to tell our readers about helpful items to use when they are sick. What products should we add to this?
Green tea…the antioxidant benefits can’t be beat.
Whom You Know covered the recent Lenox Hill event http://www.whomyouknow.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it this year…but I usually do, and enjoy seeing all my colleagues in one room.
What or who has had the most influence on your pursuit of excellence?
My father was incredibly supportive of achievement without being pushy…he just encouraged me to do my best.
What are you proudest of and why?
I’m most proud of my daughter Olivia. She’s miraculous and teaches me something new every day.
What is your favorite place to be in Manhattan?
On the swingset in Central Park with Olivia.
What is your favorite shop in Manhattan?
Gucci.
What is your favorite drink?
Sancerre.
What is your favorite restaurant in Manhattan?
Le Bilbouquet.
What is your favorite Manhattan book?
Eloise by Kay Thompson and Hilary Knight.
What has been your best Manhattan athletic experience?
Power walks with close girlfriends around the Central Park Reservoir.
What is your favorite thing to do in Manhattan that you can do nowhere else?
Manhattan has the best people watching in the world.
What has been your best Manhattan art or music experience?
I’m a member of the Acquisitions Committee for the Studio Museum in Harlem. Meeting the young artists in residence and following their careers is inspiring.
What do you think is most underrated and overrated here?
Most underrated is the hidden kindness of New Yorkers…it’s also the most overrated.
Other than Movers and Shakers of course, what is your favorite Whom You Know column and what do you like about it?
Fashion alert – all true New Yorkers are secretly obsessed with fashion.
What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
After answering all those questions, I feel like they now know more about me than I knew about myself.
How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?
