Children's Health Q&A by Dr. Phillips

All Children's Health Q&A's:

Parenting Principles Slideshow Parenting and Healthy Eating Slideshow Parenting - Fitness and Exercise Slideshow

• My 27-month-old son has sucked his thumb since he was a newborn. In the past month, the nail on his thumb has become so soft that it is about to come off, and now he has started sucking his other thumb. What can I do?
• Are there any over-the-counter remedies for a child with an ear infection?
• How long is "pink eye" contagious?
• Would you please explain vesicoureteral reflux in children? How is it treated?
• My son is 10 weeks old and has not had a bowel movement in four days. I've already tried giving him prune juice. Can suppositories be used on infants?

Dr. Phillips Message:

Dr. Dennis Phillips actively practices pediatric medicine in South Orange County, California. As a general pediatrician, Dr. Phillips' interests cover a broad spectrum, but he has special interests and expertise in the areas of childhood obesity, sports medicine, ADHD, and chronic constipation in children (a condition that he feels to be under-recognized and under-treated in pediatrics). He believes in taking the time to answer questions and discuss in detail the problems encountered with his patients and their families. "The more my families and patients understand their situation, the more involved they feel, and that makes my job so much easier."

"I am a lucky guy. I love what I do!" he says. "I recently heard someone say that when you choose your career path, make sure in whatever you do that you look forward to Mondays as much as Fridays. That's certainly the way I feel."

Dr. Phillips believes he is fortunate to be in a position where he is able to watch his patients learn and grow over a period of time. "I love it when more and more lately I get the chance to be the pediatrician for the children of previous patients of mine. That is really very special."

Dr. Phillips enjoys having the opportunity to encourage healthy behavior for children, from the time they are born until they're going off to college and beyond.

In his free time, Dr. Phillips enjoys umpiring baseball, a sport that he has officiated for over 30 years, at every level from little league to semi-pro ball. He also enjoys sports with his family and being a team physician to his sons' football team and swim team, and his daughter's cheer team, as well.