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Christopher PHILLIPS Obituary

PHILLIPS, Dr. Christopher J. Age 58, died unexpectedly at home in San Diego on Thursday, July 16th, 2020. He was born in Dayton, Ohio, on September 5th, 1961, the son of Jack and Lynn (Stang) Phillips. Chris graduated Valedictorian from Miamisburg High School in 1979. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering with honors from the University of Dayton in 1983. He was awarded an Air Force Scholarship to attend Medical School at Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis where he graduated in 1987. After his residency, Dr. Phillips served from 1990 1997 with Offutt AFB, Nebraska; Brooks AFB, Texas; and Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio as a Flight Surgeon and Chief of Clinical Operations, Hyperbaric Medicine. A lifelong learner, Chris received his Masters in Public Health in Health Care and Prevention in 1998. The following year, he earned his Preventive Medicine degree, from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. In 2000, he became board certified in Preventive Medicine. From 1999 2006, Chris worked in Population Health Support as a Preventive Medicine Consultant, Chief, Population Health Informatics at Brooks AFB, Texas where he specialized in Medical Data Analysis. Dr. Phillips left an incredibly important legacy behind. His vision for population health and his contributions to achieving the systems we have today cannot be understated. As one of the original developers of the Population Health Portal, Chris applied his medical expertise and informatics skills to develop a program that supported clinicians in achieving best outcomes for patients through prevention. His vision was truly a leap forward in using healthcare data to achieve higher quality care. For his work, Chris was awarded a "Hero of TRICARE" award, an honor very few individuals have received. The impact of his life's work is far reaching and has affected millions of American lives. Today Medicare uses the same system (called HEDIS) to pay providers that excel in prevention. After Chris retired as a Lt. Colonel from the USAF, he went on to obtain a second Master's Degree in Epidemiology. He continued his epidemiological research at the Naval Health Research Center in San Diego, where he was routinely consulted by the National Institutes of Health for his understanding of medical data. During his career, Chris and his colleagues published over 29 academic research articles. Chris was preceded in death by his beloved father Jack R. Phillips. He is survived by his mother Lynn (Stang) Phillips; his sister Carla Kay (Phillips) Lane and her husband Mark; nieces Ellie Kay (Lane) Gossett and her husband Mike, Katie Elizabeth Lane, grand-niece, Lucy Kay Gossett. He will be laid to rest with military honors at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego, CA. With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to a loving son, brother, uncle and good friend.

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Published by Dayton Daily News from Sep. 11 to Sep. 13, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
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Lisa G. Rider

October 17, 2020

I had the pleasure and honor of working with Chris through his work in San Diego examining the military databases, and our interest to study myositis and environmental exposures in military personnel. Chris was very thoughtful and insightful in our discussions. We are very shocked in his passing and very saddened- it is a great loss. We were very privileged in having been able to work wtth him.

Martin White

September 15, 2020

I was shocked and saddened when I learned of Dr. Chris Phillips passing. We worked closely together in the same department on a number of research papers while I was at the Naval Health Research Center . When I was asked to become acting department head, I would routinely consult with Chris on matters pertaining to the department. He always offered good insights and well thought out suggestions whenever I would ask. He was a gifted individual and a real pleasure to work with. He was caring and a fun individual to be around.
At a work Christmas party we both attended he had a piece of rum cake my wife had baked, and weeks later at work he would on occasion mention that cake, so the following year at the same party my wife baked him his own rum cake and he was so appreciative of that. And yes he did share it!
My deepest condolences to his family who he often spoke of. He will be greatly missed!

Martin White

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Michael Galarneau

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Diane Williams

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Claro V. Garcia

September 14, 2020

Rest in Peace with our Lord, Chris.

Stephanie Waits DeRyke

September 12, 2020

I attended school and rode the bus with Chris from elementary school at Bauer all the way through high school orchestra and marching band. Chris was so talented and driven to succeed. I have often wondered, over the years, where the path had taken him in life. It sounds like he continued to be driven. I’m sure he positively impacted many. I’m so sorry his life was cut short! My thoughts and prayers are with you all!

Christopher G Blood

September 12, 2020

I consider myself very fortunate to have worked with Chris for nine years at the Navy health research laboratory. As a fellow member of the research ethics committee, Chris could always be counted on to provide sound medical opinions and guidance. In an unvarnished fashion. He greatly loved his research and on the occasions I visited him in his office, we’d have to move books, journal articles, and print-outs if I had the audacity to want to have a seat. I hope they have a mound of data for him in heaven. Rest in peace sir.

Steve Wood

September 11, 2020

Meeting Chris in high school it was more than evident he was destined to do great things. Once we all went our separate ways after school I’ve often wondered what kind of lives our classmates made for themselves. After reading his list accomplishments I’m not at all surprised by his success. Unfortunately his was a relatively short life. However it was well lived. From his military service to his medical career he certainly made a difference. My condolences to the Phillips family, extended family and friends. Rest In Peace Chris.

Bob Puls

September 11, 2020

Mrs. Phillips and Carla, I’m sadden to hear of the loss of your son and brother,Chris. As you know I got to know Chris when we were in High School, with our last names starting with the letter “P” we meet when everyone had to line up in alphabetical order. I even was in a few classes with him and we shared several friends. He was always happy, smiling and had a great sense of humor. I enjoyed being around Chris and learning from him. I’m sure you are both very proud of his career accomplishments. Apparently his work has had a great impact on many lives. He was a special person that I think was always trying to find the good in people and willing to help most anyone.

My condolences to the both of you and your family.

Sue Truett

September 11, 2020

Chris and I attended MHS together. He had such a funny sense of humor. He was just the sweetest, tallest buzz haircut classmate. I knew he would have a bright future. So sad for the world's loss especially those that never had a chance to meet or know Chris. Prayers lifted for his family and friends.

Karen Moist

September 11, 2020

No words can describe this sweet, funny, caring friend. I will miss you always, and will forever remember the fun times we had!! Love and heartfelt condolences to Lynn, Carla, Mark, Ellie, Mike, Lucy and Katie.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Natalie Wells

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Katie Shobe

September 11, 2020

I worked with Chris two different times at the Naval Health Research Center in San Diego, first when he was still active duty around 2011, and then most recently until June this year. He was both kind and talented -- a real pleasure to have on your team. Part of my last job was to visit areas of the command for safety issues, and Chris' office was always full of stuff related to what he was working on. He would offer me chocolate in the hopes that I would overlook some things. I am truly heartbroken that he is no longer here. For Chris' family -- you have a lot to be proud of.

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