Orlando, Florida, July 9, 2007—Gary Miller, MD, Senior Medical Director for VITAS Innovative Hospice Care® of Central Florida, has been re-certified by the American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (ABHPM). This distinction places Dr. Miller among an elite group of physicians who have met the highest clinical and academic standards of the hospice and palliative medicine specialty. Dr. Miller has been medical director for VITAS Innovative Hospice Care® of Central Florida since 1999 and earned his first ABHPM certification in 1997.

ABHPM certification is an arduous process that requires a physician to first become board certified in his or her particular specialty (internal medicine or geriatric medicine, for example). The physician then is expected to meet several clinical criteria, including participating directly in the care of at least 50 terminally ill patients. Finally, the physician must pass a comprehensive written examination.

“Certification is important for people involved in hospice and palliative care medicine. It demonstrates one’s ability in and understanding of palliative care and improves the quality of support we offer to our terminally ill patients,” says Dr. Miller, who was promoted to VITAS senior medical director in 2001.

In his role as Senior Medical Director, Dr. Miller provides and oversees palliative care and symptom management for more than 780 patients in Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties, and educates healthcare professionals and physicians on the benefits of hospice care. Dr. Miller is an expert in pain management, assessing hospice-appropriate patients and ensuring quality care.

“Dr. Miller has a deep commitment to his patients and to hospice,” says Carmen Demos, RN, general manager of VITAS Innovative Hospice Care® of Central Florida. “Taking the time to fulfill the examination requirements demonstrates this commitment.”

As a family physician, Dr. Miller believes that hospice is a natural extension of providing care for patients from beginning to end of life. “This is the most rewarding part of the whole continuum, taking care of people at the end of life,” he says.

Prior to joining VITAS in 1998 as a team physician, Dr. Miller headed a family medical practice in Orlando and served as medical director for several geriatric and long-term care facilities. He began his career as Major in the U.S. Air Force, serving as Chief of Medicine in military hospitals in Turkey and Florida. A diplomate and fellow of the American Board of Family Practice, Dr. Miller also is board certified in geriatric medicine.

Dr. Miller earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Rochester and a medical degree from Albany Medical College of Union University, both in New York. He completed an internship and residency at the District of Columbia General Hospital in Washington, D.C., and additional residencies at Albany Medical Center Hospital.