Doctor Phillips, Orlando, FL Daycare
The Learning Center of South Park serves parents who live or work in the Doctor Phillips area of Orlando.
Here’s how to reach our daycare. From Clermont, drive toward West Ave, and turn right onto FL-50 E/W Hgwy 50. Drive straight and use the right two lanes to merge onto Florida’s Turnpike via the ramp to S Miami.
From Doctor Phillips, head east on Sand Lake Rd toward The Esplanade. Continue straight onto FL-482 E/W Sand Lake Rd and turn right onto S John Young Pkwy. Turn right at the first cross street onto Commodity Cir and turn left onto Futures Drive.
Because we’re so well located near many amenities and the busy business park, many parents find it a great location to drop off the children on their way to work.
Doctor Phillips, Orlando, FL
It seems that everyone who lives in Orlando knows the name Dr. Phillips, which is more than just a street or hospital. Dr. Phillips has been called many things- an icon, a president of medicine, and the “father of Florida’s healthcare.” He was also one of the founders of Central Florida Regional Hospital (CFRH), now known as Orlando Health, where he served as President and CEO for almost 30 years before retiring in 2003 at age 84. But what did Dr. Phillips do to become so famous? And what can we learn from his story? Let’s take a look.
Born in 1912, Dr. Phillips grew up during the Great Depression and graduated from the University of Florida College of Medicine at age 21 before serving as an infantry surgeon with the U.S. Army during World War II. After making it through that war intact, he returned to Florida to work for one year with Dr. John Hill at the Hill-Burton facility in Lakeland. He then moved on to become a highly successful pediatrician and medical school professor. But central Florida wasn’t big enough for this future medicine legend- he had more significant ideas! In 1958, he helped launch Lakeland’s Community Hospital (now known as Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center), eventually retiring in 1990 as its President and CEO. This allowed him to practice medicine at the same facility he led, which was very uncommon for a man who had attained his level of success!
In 1962, Dr. Phillips began building what we now know as Central Florida Regional Hospital (CFRH). The official groundbreaking ceremony was held on May 18th, and the hospital opened to the public in 1965. The Word is that during construction, contractors were always welcome to come by Dr. Phillips’ office for a chat and even get a complimentary cigar! He wanted nothing more than for CFRH to become the best place it could be. Under his leadership, CFRH became a world-class healthcare facility that is still recognized as one of the best in the nation, and it’s no surprise why. Some of its many notable accomplishments include: When Dr. Phillips wasn’t working to improve health care for all central Floridians, he was taking care of himself. He was an avid tennis player, skier, hunter, fisherman, and sailor! Dr. Phillips was also active in community affairs; he served on the Board of Directors for many organizations like the Heart of Florida United Way, Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC), Central Florida Zoological Society (now known as the Central Florida Zoo), the Orlando Chamber of Commerce, Florida Citrus Commission, and The First Federal Savings & Loan Association.
He also served on President Nixon’s National Advisory Council on Economic Opportunity. Though he cherished the many honors bestowed upon him during his lifetime, Dr. Phillips credits his wife Betty for making all of these accomplishments possible! She was an essential support system for her husband and a true pioneer in the fields of healthcare, business, and local government. The Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts is named after him to tribute his significant contributions to both the arts and Orlando overall.
While the center didn’t open until January 2012, it was part of Dr. Phillips’ master plan for Orlando that eventually became known as the Creative City concept back in the 1960s.
Today, all of his ideas are coming to fruition because of Central Florida’s continued growth.
Dr. Phillips passed away on June 21st, 2003, at the age of 91. A true visionary whose work will live on for many generations to come!
Thank you, Dr. Phillips, for your contributions to our city and beyond!
Find Out More About Doctor Phillips, Orlando, FL Daycare
For the premier Doctor Phillips childcare, reserve your place on our waiting list.
Taking this step ensures your child has an opportunity to attend our popular school. There’s no obligation on your part, but as soon as your name is on the list, you have the option of a place.
Simply click on the button below to set up a date and time to meet our director Ms. Helen. She will answer all your questions and ensure you have the option of a spot for your child at the very popular Learning Center of South Park, Orlando.
