Nicholas Miller, MD - Beacon Medical Group Surgical Services Elkhart

About Dr. Miller

Nicholas Miller, MD, began his working career as a commercial photographer. After he suffered the loss of a friend through a tragic car accident, he began to rethink his calling. “Through the time spent in the hospital with [my friend] and his family, I felt the calling to pursue a career in medicine, and ultimately in surgery,” he says.

Dr. Miller does not have any other family members in the medical profession. He comes from a long line of Amish cabinet makers, who have been in that business since 1918. “I am fluent in Pennsylvania Dutch and love to use the mother tongue to connect with my Amish and Mennonite patients.”

Toward the end of the six-year period working as a photographer and graphic designer, he earned his Bachelor of Science at the University of Akron, majoring in Biology. During college, he founded a small web-based company that sold custom leather goods to customers around the globe. He worked with local Amish leather shops to create and fulfill orders. While running this online business, he began medical school at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, where he earned his Doctor of Medicine degree.

He describes his philosophy of surgery as “a pursuit of the highest technical standards of excellence, combined with a desire to create a deep personal connection with each patient.”

Dr. Miller says, “One of the greatest things I have gained from observing my patients is that ordinary people are often capable of great courage.”

In his own words…

Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life?  My mentor Dr. Michael Cullado taught me much about life and surgery during my surgical residency.

What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it?  After high school, I spent some time working at a print shop. I started out sweeping the floors but eventually learned commercial photography and ultimately built a studio before going off to college.

What is your favorite movie?  Tough choice. Either 2001: A Space Odyssey or Interstellar. I’m a space nerd.

If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why?  CS Lewis or JRR Tolkien

What are your hobbies, interests?  I love to cook and bake, as well as run, bike and hike.

What is something most people don’t know about you?  I like to do my own maintenance on my car from time to time.