IN REMEMBRANCE
In Remembrance FRANK MILLER, MD May 17, 1944 – December 23, 2017
Dr. Frank Miller passed away on December 23, 2017 after a progressive downhill course for the past five years. Frank was from North Vernon, Ind. He was one of 11 children in a remarkably accomplished family. He attained both his undergraduate( mathematics) and medical degrees from Indiana University. Following a rotating internship at Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, he entered the armed forces as a surgeon during the Vietnam War. Post-service, he resumed training in surgery at the University of Louisville. After completion of residency in 1977, he spent several years in various stints in private practice, and one year in a faculty position with his late friend, Dr. Robert Fulton in Reno, Nev. In 1984, he was recruited to the full-time faculty at the University of Louisville because of his obvious surgical skills and innate gifts as a teacher.
For those of us who knew Frank( and he had countless friends), he was easy to describe: kind, giving, generous in all aspects, but especially in spirit. He was fun-loving and likable, but also hyper-competitive in his golf or poker games. He was rarely raucous with his wit, but had a mischievous sense of humor and matching grin.
Frank never seemed to care about accolades, and he had no false modesty in that regard despite a career filled with accomplishments. It is impossible for us to really convey the“ essence” of Frank in words, for there were many dualities in his life.
On a personal note, he was totally devoted to his soulmate, Pat Hunt, for over 40 years, but they never lived together or married despite his absolute commitment to her. He loved his hometown and family deeply, and considered Louisville his true home in adulthood. He had a wanderlust about travel and that, coupled with a strong desire to“ give back,” led him to serve in medical missions in eight different countries, including a year’ s stay in Ghana.
Frank never considered himself a major academic leader, yet he was the Chief of Trauma for years at University Hospital, as well as Division Chief of General Surgery. He was a member of the important learned societies within General Surgery and was President of the Jefferson County Medical Society from 1995-1996. He chaired the Kentucky Committee of Trauma and was a major national trauma leader. He authored or co-authored 89 peer-reviewed papers and 10 book chapters.
Though Frank was not one to wear his faith on his sleeve, he cared deeply about his fellow man. He carried the Bible verse“ to whom much is given, much is expected” to heart daily. Thus, he not only did mission trips, but had numerous foreign visitors in his home to aid them in knowledge to take to their native countries. His foreign visits were not“ hit and run” of one or two weeks, but often months to a year. Likewise, his long service to the underserved in Louisville was a constant. He was very active in Clothe-A-Child and a member of it’ s board.
Frank was a surgeon’ s surgeon and a great teacher of students and residents, which led to an incomparable 10 teaching awards. Yet the real unforgettable aspects of his persona were his personal qualities, which cannot be accurately articulated. Those who had the honor of knowing Frank will never forget him. The ripple effect of his life on others will last for decades through his impact on patients, partners, students and residents. Godspeed our dear friend in your eternal peace.
- Dr. J. David Richardson and Dr. Kelly M. McMasters
Dr. Miller was a GLMS member for 35 years and a GLMS past president in 1995-1996
10 LOUISVILLE MEDICINE