‘I Regret Nothing’: Doctor Who Criticized Trump Parade Works Last Day At Walter Reed

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Dr. James Phillips is no longer working at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, months after criticizing President Trump’s flouting of coronavirus safety guidelines. In October, Trump waved to supporters from the back of an SUV as he was driven outside the facility in Bethesda, Md..

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When NPR contacted Walter Reed about Dr. Phillips’ status on Monday, a representative stated that Phillips worked there as a contract employee.

The medical center «provides requirements for contract employees to the contract agency, the representative said. «The contract agency then works together with contract employees to determine individual schedules. There was no decision made by anyone at [Walter Reed National Military Medical Center] to remove Dr. Phillips from the schedule.

Representatives from the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences were unavailable for comment Monday. The school said earlier this month that while it could confirm Phillips remains an employee, it was not able to comment on assignments such as his contract work at Walter Reed.

Late Sunday, Phillips said he had no regrets about his public stance.

«Today, I worked my final shift at Walter Reed ER, Phillips tweeted. «I will miss the patients and my military and civilian coworkers — they have been overwhelmingly supportive. I’m honored to have worked there and I look forward to new opportunities.

Phillips also thanked a George Washington University colleague who defended him, after Dr. Jonathan Reiner stated, «Dr. Phillips spoke the truth, and the truth was uncomfortable for some people. He did nothing wrong. People who claim to be patriots should defend the 1st Amendment as vigorously as they defend the 2nd.

Phillips was one of many voices critical of Trump’s outing. The president said his foray was meant to thank his supporters. After the event, White House spokesman Judd Deere said a medical team had cleared Trump’s plan for a brief motorcade tour, and that those involved took safety precautions.

During the ride, Trump was seen wearing a mask – as were Secret Service personnel who were in the vehicle with him.