[4] From 1946 to 1948, he served in the United States Army at Brooke General Hospital, attaining the rank of captain.
He subsequently served as the Surgeon-in-Chief of the Hospital for Special Surgery from 1972 to 1989, the same position his father, Philip D. Wilson Sr., held from 1935 to 1955.
[7] During his 17-year tenure as surgeon-in-chief, he developed a research department that brought together engineers and orthopedic surgeons and ushered biomechanics into the computer age.
During this time, he held the dual role of Director of Resident Training, promoting innovation in graduate medical education and served as a role model for aspiring orthopedic surgeons.
[8] He is buried at Doanes Point Cemetery in Sorrento, Hancock County, Maine.