Today we’d like to introduce you to Devon Phillips
Hi Devon, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m an Encinitas native, but I’ve lived in four states so far in my 20s—Texas, Tennessee, and Colorado, in addition to California. My journey into healthcare started in Texas, where I was taking pre-requisite courses with the goal of enrolling in a pre-med program. I had my sights set on becoming an emergency room physician, drawn to the idea of being on the front lines and making a direct impact on patients in critical moments.
While working through these courses, I enrolled in EMT school, thinking it would be a great way to gain hands-on experience while I continued my education. I graduated at the top of my class, but after passing the NREMT exam, I had to wait six weeks to receive my full licensure. Looking for an interim job, I took a position as a medical scribe for a breast cancer surgical oncologist through a nationwide company. What I thought would be a temporary role turned out to be a pivotal moment in my career.
I quickly moved up the ranks, becoming an implementation manager responsible for rolling out AI-powered medical scribe programs across healthcare systems. This role gave me an unexpected but invaluable perspective into the broader healthcare landscape. I was working with physicians in multiple states, each serving vastly different patient populations. I fell in love with the idea that technology could improve healthcare on a larger scale, expanding access and streamlining workflows. That realization led me to switch my major to business with a healthcare management concentration, while also completing a cybersecurity certificate to strengthen my technical skill set and working as an EMT part-time.
As I finished my degree, the COVID-19 pandemic was in full swing. I joined an organization that developed testing management software for major film and television studios like Netflix, A24, and Disney. While I was fascinated by the innovation behind the technology, I knew that my real passion lay in public health. I wanted to work on programs that could drive large-scale change in communities, not just in private-sector industries. That’s when I found my current organization and immediately applied.
Fast forward three years, and I’m now the Head of Strategic Initiatives. My work focuses on designing and scaling programs that have impacted millions of lives, particularly in preventative healthcare. Whether it’s integrating clinical software solutions with public health infrastructure, developing virtual care platforms, or ensuring that underserved communities have access to vital health services, I’m driven by the idea of making healthcare more accessible, efficient, and equitable.
Looking back, my path was anything but linear. I started out wanting to make a difference one-on-one with patients, but I’ve found my calling in building systems that improve healthcare at scale. The passion remains the same—it’s just the approach that has evolved.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges was balancing full-time work while completing my degree and additional programs. I knew that if I wanted to build my dream career, I needed both the education and the hands-on experience, but balancing the load was definitely a struggle at times.
Another hurdle was not having a strong technical foundation at the start of my career. I didn’t come from a traditional tech background, and in a world where so much of healthcare innovation is driven by software and data, I knew it was a gap I had to correct. I became really intentional about learning by immersing myself in projects that forced me to build those skills in real time. There were definitely moments of imposter syndrome, but I learned to lean into curiosity, problem-solving, and asking a ton of questions.
On top of that, I was often the youngest person in the room in many of my roles, especially as I moved into leadership positions. I managed large teams, the majority of whom were older than me and more experienced. There were times when I had to work twice as hard to be taken seriously, to prove that I had the knowledge and strategic insight to contribute at a high level. It took time to build confidence and establish credibility, but I learned that execution speaks louder than anything. When you consistently deliver results and drive impact, people start to see you for your work rather than your age.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work sits at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and access. I specialize in designing and implementing healthcare technology solutions that expand access to essential services, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Throughout my career, I’ve worked on everything from AI-enabled clinical documentation tools to large-scale public health initiatives, always with the goal of making healthcare more efficient, scalable, and, most importantly, accessible.
What sets me apart is my firsthand understanding of the gaps in our healthcare system. I’ve lived in multiple states, including the middle of nowhere in Tennessee – on a mountain with only one small family clinic serving the entire area. That experience, along with my work in public health, has shaped my perspective on how critical it is to build solutions that actually reach people where they are. Access to healthcare shouldn’t depend on your ZIP code, your income, or whether you can take a day off work to drive hours to the nearest provider. I firmly believe healthcare is a human right, and my focus has always been on creating programs and technologies that make that a reality.
One example I’m especially proud of is my work on the Michigan community wellness program. This state-wide initiative was designed to bring preventative health services to people who might otherwise fall through the cracks. We created fully operational testing clinics in existing community gathering points, such as churches, with virtual telehealth support through our network of nurse practitioners. By integrating technology, we made it possible for patients to access services without unnecessary barriers, while also ensuring providers had the tools they needed for streamlined care coordination. Programs like this are a perfect example of how technology can bridge healthcare gaps in a way that’s both practical and impactful.
I’m most proud of the scale and impact of my work. I’ve helped design and implement programs that have touched millions of lives—whether it’s through public health testing initiatives, virtual care solutions, or innovative workflows & programs that make it easier for people to get the care they need. Seeing those ideas go from concept to real-world impact is what drives me.
At the end of the day, my work is about more than just technology – it’s about people. It’s about making sure that no matter where someone lives, they have access to timely, quality care.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
That was a lot of work talk – on a personal note, I’m an avid reader, with a favorites list that encompasses fantasy epics, spicy romance, and the occasional nonfiction. I’m big into yoga and Pilates, and I love museums and art, especially when I’m traveling. I started surfing last year, and I’m hilariously terrible.
I also love an adventure, whether alone or with my boyfriend, family, and friends. I recently took a solo trip to Amsterdam and Paris, and I’m already planning the next. No matter where I go, however, San Diego will always be home – I grew up in Encinitas, and that connection never fades. Lastly (and most importantly): I have a dog named Cleo, who is my absolute favorite thing alive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.primary.health/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devon-phillips-58b1b011a/
