Meet Treasurer, Margaret Phillips, DVM

I am a Board-Certified Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology since 1992. I had a dermatology referral practice in south Nashville from October 1992 until May 2016, at which time I retired from clinical practice. Currently my husband (Jim Phillips, DVM) and I own Clovercroft. We share management responsibilities, but don’t see patients.

Dialysis for Pets. While hiking a couple summers ago my German Shepherd Dog, Sandee, was injured and suffered heat stroke. Ultimately, she died from her injuries despite heroic treatment efforts by Dr. Marc Bercovitch and staff at BluePearl Franklin, TN. Sandee needed dialysis. Dr. Bercovitch brought the first ever dialysis machine to veterinary medical private practice in the early 1990’s. But, Dr. B did not have dialysis equipment when my Sandee needed it. So, in memory of my beloved, I promised to get dialysis equipment for Dr. B. I partnered with a nonprofit, Frankie’s Friends, to fundraise over
$90,000. BluePearl made a commitment to the project too. At this time, equipment is onsite at BP Franklin and the Unit is set to open any day. Pets who receive dialysis will not be charged a fee for time spent in dialysis because equipment was purchased with donated money. (all other typical fees will apply)

What is one professional goal you have for yourself in the next 5 years? Since my goals are more like pipe dreams (1. start a pod cast about veterinary medicine and 2. bring a new educational program to high schools and community colleges that teaches young folks the basics of working in the veterinary field and offers a professionally recognized title- certified veterinary assistant.), my official answer to your question is simply to work toward bringing the very best ideas and programs to veterinarians, pets, pet owners and the community.

What are your hobbies outside of work? Dog sports. Tracking with my German Shepherd Dog and Dock Diving with my Golden Retriever. My husband and I like camping and hiking with our dogs. When I’m flying solo, I really enjoy climbing and yoga. My secret desire is to be an active member of a Canine Wilderness Search and Rescue Team.

What is one personal goal you’ve set for yourself in the next year? Balance. I stay very busy with my husband, Clovercroft, TVMA, TVMF, Dog Sports, staying in touch with brothers and sisters and friends, trying to stay active, trying to eat healthy and more, including travel. We have just one child. He is grown now and lives in Germany. In fact, just last night, I was planning a holiday visit to Munich.

Most recent book you’ve read? I’m currently reading a book written by my sister-in-law, Diane McKeithen. It’s titled Just In Case and it is the sequel to her first book, In an Instant. It’s very exciting to have an author in the family!

When you have time to watch TV, what’s your guilty pleasure? Every evening my husband and I pour a glass of wine and stream a show. We typically watch a series from start to end. Currently we are watching Person of Interest. It’s good, but I’d have to say my favorite is Outlander.

Do you have an especially memorable/humorous client story you’d like to share? I’ll share a classic with you…..I graduated veterinary school in 1988 and entered private practice as a family vet in
Florida. At that time there were not as many options in therapeutic dermatological products for animals, so we improvised. A young man brought his itchy dog to me. I suggested the man get a pair of woman’s panty hose and old-fashioned oats. I instructed him to fill the panty hose with oats and tie off the open end. Once that was done, he should put the dog and panty hose in the tub to soak for a while. Well, the next day the now unhappy young man called to say he had a heck of a time getting the panty hose on the dog and that he is still cleaning oats out of the tub!