Western University of Health Sciences has selected Heather Phipps, DO, MBA, as Site Dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-Northwest (COMP-Northwest), effective August 18, 2025.

“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Dr. Heather Phipps as the new Site Dean for COMP-Northwest,” said COMP and COMP-Northwest Dean Lisa Warren, DO ’01, MBA. “She brings not only a wealth of leadership and clinical experience, but also a deep commitment to working in partnership with our students, faculty, and the broader community. I look forward to the meaningful impact we’ll make together as we continue to grow and strengthen the COMP-Northwest campus.”

Dr. Phipps earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Ohio University’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and holds an MBA from Washington State University. Her postgraduate training includes a Surgical Track Internship at Doctors Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, and an Orthopedic Surgery Residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Her unique professional and academic experiences make her an effective leader, well-prepared to educate compassionate physicians and provide expert guidance in today’s complex healthcare environment.

“Dr. Heather Phipps is an exceptional leader who brings deep clinical experience, an unwavering commitment to osteopathic principles, and a strong vision for the future of medical education,” said WesternU Provost and Chief Academic Officer Paula M. Crone, DO ’92. “Her appointment as Site Dean of COMP-Northwest is a tremendous step forward for the campus, the communities we serve, and the continued advancement of osteopathic medical education in Oregon and beyond. I look forward to the impact she will have in guiding the next generation of physicians with excellence and humanism at the core.”

Throughout her career, Dr. Phipps has taken on numerous leadership roles, most recently serving as Assistant Dean of Clinical Education, Strategic Partnerships, and Faculty Development; Chief of the Division of Surgery; and Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences. Dr. Phipps is a dedicated leader in medical education and orthopedic surgery. She was selected following a nationwide search.

“It is a profound honor to serve as Site Dean at COMP-Northwest, an institution where community is more than a value—it is the foundation of our shared mission to educate, support, and empower. I look forward to partnering with our dedicated faculty, staff, and students as we nurture a campus culture where excellence and empathy walk hand in hand,” said Phipps. “Together, we will deepen our roots in service and scholarship, champion academic innovation, and prepare future physicians not only for clinical excellence, but for lives of leadership and meaningful impact.”