Deborah J. Tom, MD

Deborah J. Tom, MD, is a neonatologist and serves as Chair of Phoenix Children's Medical Student Mentorship. Board certified in neonatal-perinatal medicine, Dr. Tom was drawn to neonatology because of her desire to be involved with families during this very special time of their lives, as well as to provide hope for families with premature and sick newborns. She enjoys all aspects of neonatology and has expertise in treating neonates with complex medical diagnoses.

Dr. Tom joined Phoenix Children's medical staff in 1998 and the new Neonatology Division in 2020. She currently serves as Chair of the Credentials Committee and as a member of the Medical Executive Committee.

From 2013 to 2020, Dr. Tom served as Medical Director of Phoenix Children's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Under her direction, the NICU earned recognition in U.S. News & World Report's Best Children's Hospitals as a national leader in neonatology. Phoenix Children's program progressively ascended into the Top 50 - ranking #20 nationally for the 2020 - 2021 time period - based on excellent outcomes, high quality of care and patient safety.

Dr. Tom has a special interest in mentoring the next generation of physicians. To collaborate with local medical schools, Dr. Tom established the Medical Student Mentorship Program at Phoenix Children's. This past academic year, Dr. Tom engaged more than 100 of our pediatricians in student-focused activities, like Dine with Docs, Lunch and Learns, Simulation Boot Camps and mentoring opportunities, connecting physicians and medical students to create hands-on experiences and help build networks for guidance.

In 2021, Dr. Tom was nominated as one of Phoenix Children's Clinical Excellence Teachers of the Year secondary to building the Medical Student Mentorship Program. In 2022, she was recognized as a Top Doctor in PHOENIX magazine in neonatal-perinatal medicine.

Dr. Tom loves working at Phoenix Children's because she is able to provide family-centered care with a strong multispecialty and multidisciplinary team at a hospital that specializes in children.

When not at work, you can find Dr. Tom spending time with her family and dog, running, traveling and crafting. She's married to a pediatric cardiologist at Phoenix Children's, Dr. Todd Nowlen. They have four children - some of whom are following in their parents' footsteps and going into the medical field.