Jacqueline Phillips, MD

Did you know your child is host to trillions of tiny, helpful dinner guests? Inside their digestive tract lives a bustling community of bacteria, viruses, and fungi called the gut microbiome. While “bacteria” might sound alarming, these microbes are essential partners in keeping your child healthy. As pediatricians, we are learning more every day about

I recently have been getting more questions about vegetarian diets and what parents need to watch out for if they or their children choose to change to a plant-based diet. People often worry they will not be able to have enough variety or will be missing out on important nutrients, so I find that it’s

  We’ve reached the time of winter when runny noses and sore throats are making their rounds through the community, leaving many people wondering the same thing: Is this just a common cold, or could it be influenza (the flu), and when do I need to worry? While both are respiratory illnesses with overlapping symptoms,

  As the 2024–25 flu season unfolded, the burden on children was heavy. Early CDC data show that among children aged 6 months to 17 years, this season’s flu vaccine reduced outpatient visits for influenza by about 32% to 60%, and lowered the risk of hospitalization by 63% to 78%. These numbers show that even

As the long, carefree days of summer wind down, shifting back into the structure of the school year can feel like a big adjustment for the whole family. Re-establishing consistent routines not only helps children feel grounded and ready to learn—it also supports their overall health and well-being.  One of the most important steps is

At The Village Doctor, we support the transition from pediatric care with compassion and continuity. In a recent discussion with a friend who was surprised to learn we care for patients in their early 20s, I was reminded that, truly, one of the more unique advantages of our practice model is the flexibility to continue

As the seasons change, many families eagerly anticipate more time outdoors, blooming flowers, and warmer weather. However, for children with seasonal allergies, this time of year can bring a different set of challenges. Pediatric seasonal allergies—commonly known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis—affect millions of children and can significantly impact their daily activities, school performance,

Many of us have likely been glued to screens as we monitor the wildfires and talk to family and friends who have been directly affected in Los Angeles. As parents, we also face the challenge of addressing our children’s fears and questions about this disaster. While it’s natural to want to shield children from upsetting

As a mother to three young children and a pediatrician, I spend a lot of time trying to encourage my own children to behave well and a good amount of  time helping parents find ways to increase desirable behaviors and squelch, let’s say, well, less than desirable behaviors. Disciplining children is one of the most

As teenagers find their new routines back in school and school workload ramps up, many are reminiscing about their carefree summer days that allowed them to sleep in and stay up late. Truly, many of us wish there were more hours in the day to get things done, but in reality, we should be wishing

Heat stroke usually develops as a progression from milder heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps and heat exhaustion. When a person’s internal temperature rises too high (typically above 104°F), the body’s cooling mechanisms (such as sweating and vasodilation) become overwhelmed and unable to dissipate heat effectively. The most common symptoms of heat stroke are flushed

Last month, the CDC reported that one individual had been infected with a strain of bird flu, but given our collective anxieties after the COVID pandemic, this news made headlines.  H5N1 flu, also known as avian influenza or bird flu, is a subtype of influenza A virus that primarily infects birds, but unfortunately can also