Karen S. Phillips, MSN, RN, is vice president and chief nursing officer, Perioperative Services, at MedStar Health. In this role, Phillips works with perioperative, surgical and anesthesia teams to execute systemwide strategies and operational efficiencies across the MedStar Health Perioperative Service Line, including management of respective quality outcomes, positive patient experiences, workforce engagement, and resource utilization.
Phillips began her nursing career in Medical-Surgical care before transitioning to Perioperative Services. She later advanced into leadership roles within Emory Healthcare, a comprehensive academic health system affiliated with Emory University. With more than 21 years of progressive leadership experience , she most recently served as associate chief nursing officer at Emory University Orthopaedics and Spine Hospital and led clinical operations. She also provided strategic oversight of Perioperative Services across seven hospitals and ambulatory surgery clinics. In addition to her perioperative experience, Phillips served as vice president, Procedural Areas, at Emory University Hospital Midtown.
Phillips received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Florida A&M University and her Master of Science in Nursing from South University. She is a lifetime member of the Association of Perioperative Nurses, full member and fellow of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.