Reed B. Phillips graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Utah in Biological Sciences in 1970. Obtained a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from National College of Chiropractic in 1973. Completed a full time residency program in diagnostic imaging and passed the certification of Diplomate in this specialty in 1976. Achieved a Masters in Science in Community Medicine from the School of Medicine at the University of Utah in 1979. My final formal degree was a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Utah, completed in 1986.

He worked as a teaching assistant in the gross anatomy lab at the National College of chiropractic. Entered private practice in Salt Lake City in 1976. While maintaining a full-time private practice in chiropractic, I also provided a radiology interpretation service. From 1979 to 1984, served as the Director of Research for the Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research. In 1986, left private practice to accept a position as Director of Research at Los Angeles College of Chiropractic. In 1990 accepted the position as acting president of the college and was appointed to be the president in 1991. Presently serving as the President of Los Angeles College of Chiropractic that has changed its name to be the Southern California University of Health Sciences.

He served as the President of the Examining Board of American Chiropractic Board of Radiology, President of the Association of Chiropractic Colleges, Vice-President of the Council on Chiropractic Education. Currently serves on three editorial boards and serves as the Editor-in-chief of the Journal for Chiropractic Education.

He has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed publications and authored or co-authored several book chapters. Has participated in numerous international conferences and have been the recipient of several research grants.