Karen Phillips, PhD, FACMG

Dr Phillips received a Bachelor of Science in microbiology from the University of Oklahoma, Norman and a master of science in biology from Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia. Dr Phillips earned a PhD from University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine in 1997. She held a Fellowship in Clinical Cytogenetics, University of NC, Chapel Hill 1997-1999 and an Alternative Pathway Fellowship in LGG, Labcorp, CMBP.

Dr Phillips holds board certification from ABMGG board certification in Clinical Cytogenetics since 2002 and is ABMGG Board Eligible for Laboratory Genetics and Genomics certification, 2021/2023. She holds NYS Certificates of Qualification in Cytogenetics (2001), Fetal Defect Markers (2010), and Genetic Testing (limited to microarray analysis) (2019). She has several employee appreciation awards and recognitions and has co-authored published articles and numerous annual poster presentations. She is a member of ACMG, AMP, and ASHG.

Before joining Labcorp, Dr Phillips was the Associate Director of Cytogenetics at GeneCare Medical Genetics, Chapel Hill, NC (2002-2011).

Her areas of expertise or special interests include microarray and chromosome analysis for prenatal, postnatal, and oncology samples; and maternal serum screening, including acetylcholinesterase analysis and NIPS.

When not working, Dr Phillips travels between her mountain cabin in Lenoir, NC, and her bed and breakfast on the North Carolina coast. She is also active with the American Red Cross and various animal advocacy groups. She passionately supports many foundations, including Save-the-Children, St Jude’s Hospital, Scouting, and her political party.

With an avid interest in aviation, she is a small aircraft owner and is working on obtaining a private pilot’s license. Dr Phillips also enjoys patio/container gardening and playing with her grandchildren.