Over the holidays, we’re featuring our 2023 Scott and Nikki Niswonger Servant’s Heart Award winners in Ballad Health News, as well as on Ballad Health social media. The award honors team members, physicians and volunteers who display the heart of a servant by going above and beyond the normal call of duty in helping others at work and in the community, as nominated by their peers.
Click on the video player below to see a brief profile of our next winner, Dr. Paul Arthur Phillips. And use the link at the bottom of this story to nominate someone for the 2024 Servant’s Heart Award.
At Russell County Hospital in Lebanon, Virginia, Paul Arthur Phillips, DO, works tirelessly for the welfare of the community.
Born and raised in the same community he now serves, Dr. Phillips started his healthcare journey as a teenager. He began as a junior emergency medical technician (EMT) for the Dante Rescue Squad, a job that initiated him into a lifelong commitment to his community. Over time, he climbed the ranks, from paramedic to registered nurse, eventually landing in the emergency department at Russell County. His trajectory didn’t stop there; he returned to school and attained a medical degree, specializing in emergency medicine and his passion for learning and growing never waned.
His commitment extends beyond his official title as the emergency department medical director at Russell County Hospital. Even on his scheduled days off, Dr. Phillips can often be found in the hospital hallways, stepping in when the emergency department census is high, ensuring each patient gets the best care possible. He also serves as a mentor to medical students and EMT students and as a resource for anyone in the Southwest Virginia medical community.
Dr. Phillips is known for his exceptional patient care, his compassion spilling over into each interaction. Not only is he meticulous in his diagnoses, but he is also deeply empathetic, earning him the unwavering trust of patients, their families and the hospital team members alike. It’s not uncommon for patients to know him by his first name – a testament to his approachability and the strong rapport he builds with everyone he encounters.
In addition to his commitment to the hospital, Dr. Phillips continues to serve with Dante Rescue Squad as a medical examiner, while also chairing the local EMS council. His willingness to extend his skills and knowledge is constant, whether he is teaching certification courses or being a community advocate for physicians.
His giving nature is as extensive in his personal life as it is in his professional one. Despite the demands of his work, he serves as the primary caregiver for his mother, ensuring she receives the care she needs for a high quality of life. During the holiday season, his generosity extends to the larger community, sponsoring children to ensure they have a joyful Christmas and gifts under the tree.
Even in challenging times, Dr. Phillips remains a pillar of positivity, offering reassurance to help his team navigate each day. His unyielding dedication to the community of Russell County is a beacon of hope for those in need, and his relentless commitment to their well-being embodies a true servant’s heart.
Dr. Phillips’ story is one of tireless dedication, boundless compassion and a profound commitment to his community.
More about the Servant’s Heart Award
The award was named in honor of Scott and Nikki Niswonger. Scott is a Greeneville businessman and philanthropist who is the chief benefactor of the Niswonger Children’s Hospital in Johnson City, and a member of the Ballad Health board of directors. The Niswongers have a long history of serving others throughout the region, with a strong focus on education highlighted by the creation of The Niswonger Foundation.
Nominate someone!
Do you know someone who has the heart of a servant and deserves recognition for their great work? If so, nominate them for the 2024 Servant’s Heart Award!
