Miller ready to take on role as caretaker of medical students
Dr. Bonnie Miller recently addressed students at Light Hall. (photo by Anne Rayner)
Dr. Bonnie M. Miller, a general surgeon who has been on the clinical faculty at Vanderbilt University Medical Center since 1987, has been named Associate Dean for Medical Students at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.
She fills the post previously held by Dr. Deborah C. German, who is now Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education.
Miller, who served both her internship and residency at VUMC from 1980 until 1986, will provide personal, professional and academic counseling for medical students.
She will work closely with German in getting to know current students before the new students arrive in August.
"I have the fullest confidence in Dr. Miller and her commitment to the education of our students," German said. "I am certain she will do an excellent job."
Miller said she is honored to receive the appointment.
"This office has a long legacy of excellence and I consider it a real challenge to uphold its standards," she said.
Miller's husband, Dr. Robert F. Miller, was a VUSM student when she began her residency.
"I remember we were so impressed with the office of Student Affairs and Dr. Phil Felts, who at that time held the student dean position. Vanderbilt is very student-friendly and we have always felt a personal debt of gratitude to this office."
Miller said the quality of the students and their happiness is what gives VUSM its first-class reputation.
"I am very interested in helping students develop a broad base of knowledge while holding onto the school's core values of compassion, service, collegiality and lifelong learning."
Miller was a general surgeon in private practice at St. Thomas, Baptist and Centennial hospitals from 1987 until 1998. Last October she became a staff surgeon at Nashville Veteran's Administration Medical Center.
A graduate of Colorado College and the University of Oklahoma Medical School, Miller said she will continue to practice one day a week in the surgery clinic at Veteran's Administration Medical Center.
The Millers have three children, Miriam, Nathan and Ellen, ages 6-16.