If Dr. Stephen Miller could have one wish for Chattanooga-area residents, it would be to see them outdoors and active.
On a personal level, he loves getting outside whenever possible -- sailing on Chickamauga Lake, mountain biking, hiking. As a physician, it's his hope to foster that passion for fresh air and exercise in all the communities he serves.
"When I visit other cities, I see people taking advantage of parks," he says. "And I see the kind of changes that have taken place here over the last 30 years -- people taking advantage of green spaces. I'd like to see more of that for all of our populations."
Earlier this summer, Dr. Miller was named the new health officer for the Hamilton County Health Department. He brings with him a 22-year background in the medical field, his experience ranging from the emergency room to private practice.
"What I like about the Health Department is that it reminds me of working in the hospital," he says. "You're very much part of a team. You give your opinion, but you also listen.
"I'm also working with a lot of people who have been here for decades. That means they like their job. It also means they're good at their job. And that means I always have someone to advise me in any situation."
Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger says he's excited to have Dr. Stephens on board.
"The past few years have shown us that the Hamilton County Health Officer plays a vital role in the health of this community," he says. "With public health continuing to be an important issue as we deal with the impact of the pandemic, Dr. Miller is a welcome addition to our team."
Dr. Miller is a Chattanooga native and a graduate of Nova Southeastern University, College of Osteopathic. He completed his family practice residency in South Bend, Indiana, at the St. Joseph Hospital System and went on to practice emergency medicine full time. In 2014, he returned to Chattanooga where he took on the role of Medical Director at the Erlanger Wellness Center.