Lonny Miller, MD, was born in the same hospital where he now delivers babies. After graduating from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine in 2009, and completing his residency in family medicine in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Miller returned to his hometown of Creston, Iowa, to practice with Greater Regional Medical Center.
His practice provides the “full spectrum of family medicine,” including outpatient and inpatient care, obstetrics services, and emergency department coverage.
“I have comforted a family at the bedside as their matriarch passed away, and only months later been there to deliver their newborn child,” Miller says. “I cannot imagine a more rewarding career in medicine than that of a family physician.”
Along with Miller’s busy practice, he serves the community as:
- Medical Director of Greater Regional Medical Center’s Lenox Medical Clinic
- Medical director of a nursing home in Clearfield, Iowa
- Deputy Medical Examiner in Union County
Miller is also on the board of directors of the Iowa Academy of Family Physicians, and in 2017 was appointed by Gov. Kim Reynolds to the nine-member medical advisory board of the Iowa Medical Cannabidiol Program. The advisory board has representatives from law enforcement, oncology, gastroenterology, family medicine, neurology, pain management, psychiatry, pediatrics, and pharmacy.
“Medical cannabis, and in particular the state cannabidiol program, is an exciting area of medicine in which to be involved,” Miller says. “Wading through the scant evidence and listening to the strong opinions on both sides of the matter is a challenge, but I am honored to play an active role in the early days of the expanded cannabidiol program.”
Even with all of Miller’s responsibilities, he makes time to give back to the UI as a preceptor mentoring medical students on their four-week family medicine rotations, where they gain real-world experience.
“I remember being in their shoes, so I do my best to allow medical students to hone their clinical skills and develop their confidence in the exam room with the same positive encouragement I was given as a student,” Miller says.
Geordie Lawry, MD, was one of the best bedside teachers who trained him. During his Rheumatology elective, Miller experienced a significant loss in his personal life, so Lawry offered Miller consoling guidance through that rough patch. Lawry’s professionalism and compassion left a lasting impression on Miller.
Harold Adams, MD, professor of neurology, also helped Miller in medical school. Miller says that Adams was a “Jedi Master” of the physical exam, so he pushed his students to learn and perfect the skills they needed to perform. It was hard work, but ultimately, the experience made Miller a better physician, he believes.
“The level of dedication our faculty had in shaping us into model physicians was exemplary,” Miller says. “Now as a busy clinician, I can truly appreciate the extra time and passion it took on their parts to deliver an outstanding medical education.”