Erlanger Neurosurgery & Spine
Saving Lives
Dr. Joseph Miller’s father is a neurologist and his grandfather a neurosurgeon, so to say the career “runs in the family” is a pretty accurate assessment. “My exposure to this specialty started at an early age,” says Dr. Miller. “I was fascinated with the brain and spine, so in medical school I ultimately met my mentor Dr. Mark Hadley, who was instrumental in my training as a neurological surgeon.” Dr. Miller is now a board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeon, but what really sets his practice apart is how he cares for his patients like they are family. He explains, “I ask myself with every patient, ‘What would I do if this were my wife, daughter, sister, or mother?’ Operating on the brain and spine is fascinating, but more than anything, I love taking care of my patients.”
It is an amazing feeling to save someone’s life.”
My Credentials
Medical Degree:
University of Alabama School of Medicine – Birmingham, AL
Certifications:
Board-Certified, American Board of Neurological Surgery
Recognitions:
Galbraith Award for Excellence in Neurosurgery Research, 2012
James “Buddy” Nobles Jr. Award, 2012
Griffith Harsh Resident Education Award, 2013-2014
UAB Stephens Scholar in Neurosurgery, 2015-2016
Richard Morawetz Resident Research Award, 2015
My Specialties
Complex and Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery
Adult and Pediatric Brain and Neurological Surgery
1. What do you love most about your profession?
Neurosurgery is such a complex and challenging profession that allows you to help someone on what is often the worst day of their life.
2. What do you see as the most exciting new development for your profession?
Targeted and individualized therapies for brain tumors and cancer are very exciting developments.
3. Why did you choose to become a doctor?
I grew up working on a farm and always loved working with my hands. I also loved helping people and found the practice of medicine incredibly rewarding.
4. What’s the key to making a great first impression?
My wife and I were recently discussing this with our children. The key to a great first impression is to listen, make eye contact, and make whomever you are meeting feel like they are the most important person in the room.
5. What accolades mean the most to you?
I was awarded the James “Buddy” Nobles Award that is named in honor of my good friend who passed away. He was instrumental in my development as a neurosurgeon, and I try to honor his legacy of excellence.
- 423.778.2233
- 979 East 3rd Street, Suite C-920, Chattanooga, TN 37403
- erlanger.org
