Dr. Travis Miller – Rohrich Family Excellence in Plastic Surgery Award
By Lin Lofley
Always inclined toward a career in the area of health care, Dr. Travis Miller admitted that basic science was his first interest when he graduated from the University of Chicago with three degrees.
But what surprised him was that meeting people quickly became one of the most important things to him in medical school, and to that end, the specialty of plastic surgery lured him the most.
Dr. Miller’s strong work ethic and his potential have earned him the Rohrich Family Excellence in Plastic Surgery Award for 2015. Soon to begin a residency in the plastic and reconstructive surgery program at Stanford University, the Duncanville native can easily point to what drew him to the specialty.
“I found in college that I really liked basic science,” he said, and he earned undergraduate degrees in biochemistry, biology, and chemistry, “but I learned in our rounds that I actually enjoyed the human interaction.
“Plastic surgeons can really improve lives, and it’s always a challenge, but there’s a relationship between the patient and the surgeon. Both work on trying to make the improvements that both are seeking.”
The Rohrich Family Excellence in Plastic Surgery Award recognizes a student who demonstrates superior dedication and achievement in research and clinical work. It was created to honor the parents of Dr. Rod J. Rohrich, Catherine and Claude Rohrich.
Dr. Miller is the son of Michael and Dr. Maisie Miller, the latter a pediatrician trained at UT Medical Branch in Galveston. Her son, however, didn’t immediately have the desire for a similar clinical career. That came in college as he delved deeper into what medical school might have to offer.
While at UT Southwestern Medical School, he was a member of Junior Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society, of which he served as Vice President; the Wilson Surgical Society, of which he was an officer; and the Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery Interest Group. He also served as co-editor of the UTSW Scutpuppy, a light-hearted guide for third-year medical students.
In the classroom, Dr. Miller was a UT Southwestern Alumni Scholar, and he earned a President’s Award for Volunteerism. He also holds a patent on endovascular storage devices.
“Travis epitomizes the work ethic, drive, and focus on excellence and the need to give back to those who are not so fortunate that was instilled into me each day by my parents while I grew up on a rural North Dakota farm/ranch,” said Dr. Rohrich, Professor of Plastic Surgery, Cell Biology, and Orthopaedic Surgery. “I envision Dr. Miller in the future becoming a true academic leader in plastic surgery and in his community as well.”
