Philip Burns

Tell us about yourself!

I graduated from DePaul as one of the first students with a major in Neuroscience (shout out to Dr. Dorothy Kozlowski, who was instrumental in building that program and shaping my path!) Now, I’m a child and adolescent psychiatry fellow at NYU. A fun fact is that I grew up in Franklin, Tennessee, and I’ve always had a love for musical theater. I even participated in a few professional productions before deciding to pursue medicine. I hope to incorporate the arts into my work with kids someday.

Tell us about your journey from DePaul Honors grad to psychiatry fellow.

After DePaul, I attended medical school at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. I also spent time volunteering at a drug recovery facility called The Healing Place, where I coordinated outreach and support services. It was a formative time that deepened my interest in psychiatry and working with vulnerable populations. I knew I wanted to make my way back to Chicago, and I was so thankful to have matched into adult psychiatry residency training at Loyola University in Chicago. It also gave my a chance to reconnect with mentors of mine, including Nancy Grossman, who was the first person my mom called when my brother passed away sophomore year of college. She was my rock both during that time and into my next phases of life.

Any tips for protecting mental health during these times of political uncertainty?

Uncertainty is hard, and after losing a mother to cancer and a brother to mental health struggles, it’s something I’ve had to get comfortable with throughout my life. For me, this question gets at something deeply human. Life IS uncertain. It IS difficult. Whether you choose to say “screw it all” and embrace nihilism, seek escape in hedonism, or find meaning through faith, learning to live with uncertainty is what adulthood is all about.

There is a quote that comes to mind: “Life will teach you how to live it if you live long enough.” What my 5+ years of working in mental health (and more importantly my 30+ years of being alive) have taught me is that connection is the clearest answer. As social animals, we are wired to seek connection, but that has become increasingly challenging in our modern world. Feelings of existential dread, anxiety about politics, and frustration over the state of the world often create division, leaving us feeling isolated. So, my advice is simple: seek connection, even when it feels uncomfortable. Text a friend. Call your family. Say yes to plans. Build routines that anchor you. Limit your media intake when it overwhelms you. And remember, your only job in life is to show up. You do not have to say the perfect thing or have it all figured out. Just show up.

What interests you about psychiatry?

Psychiatry allows me to blend science with empathy. I’ve always been drawn to stories, and in psychiatry, you get to hear people’s stories and help them find meaning and healing. I especially love working with teens and kids. There’s something incredibly rewarding about helping young people find their voice and build a better future.

What advice do you have for our recent graduates of 2025?

Try not to get too hung up on having everything figured out. Careers unfold in unexpected ways, and your twenties (and beyond) are for learning what matters most to you. Say yes to opportunities that scare you a little, be kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned, and stay curious. In my experience, the best parts of life usually come from a mix of preparation and surprise!

To read the full interview and check out more amazing Honors faculty, students, and alum, read Inside Honors.

Interview by Gia Clarke, Honors Blog Editor