For this Faculty Feature, we spoke with Daniel Miller, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor, Pathology & Immunology in Anatomic & Molecular Pathology.
Tell us about your background. Where did you grow up, and when did you first become interested in science and medicine?
I was born and raised in St. Louis, the only child of two physicians who moved here for their careers. They separated when I was young, and I lived with my mom. My first spark of interest in science came in preschool when my dad—who’s a pathologist—brought blood agar plates for career day. We coughed on them, and he came back later to show us what had grown. I was amazed. I spent most of my childhood outdoors, always active and curious. From early on, I was drawn to biology and astronomy.
What is your career path?
Non-conventional. I went to Regis University in Denver, where I was shaped by Jesuit values, a love of learning, and a lot of volunteer work. My advisor—a brilliant UChicago-trained anthropologist—told me to take full loads and follow my interests, which led to philosophy, environmental studies, a service trip to Guatemala, and a 3-month mountaineering expedition in Patagonia. I planned to teach high school biology or work in ecology. But during my senior year, while volunteering at a Spanish-speaking clinic and taking Cell & Molecular Biology—and with 9/11 unfolding that fall—I realized I wanted to go to medical school.
What are your favorite parts of your current role?
I’m living my dream. I loved anatomy and cancer biology in med school, and my PhD focused on microRNAs in HPV-positive vs. HPV-negative head and neck SCC. I had the privilege of working with Jim Lewis—one of my first pathology idols—driving from Columbia to St. Louis on weekends to meet him. Now, I’m fortunate to be following in the footsteps of mentors like him and Rebecca Chernock. My favorite part of this role is collaborating with brilliant colleagues in the department, along with surgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists—who all rely on our reports to guide patient care.
What is a memorable moment you’ve had while working in the department?
The first time I was asked in tumor board whether there’s a difference between high-grade dysplasia and carcinoma in situ.
What special skills or talents do you have that people may not know about?
I have a real talent for spilling coffee on brand-new clothes and wearing out shoes way faster than seems reasonable.
What are some of your favorite hobbies or activities?
I’m married to another physician, and we have two daughters, 16 and 9. We recently moved my 86-year-old mom in with us—so life is full. I love to cook and do most of the family’s meals on Sunday afternoons. I’m also passionate about cycling and race competitively as a masters athlete in road, cyclocross, gravel, and mountain biking. I used to play mandolin and was deep into Bluegrass, but haven’t had much time to practice lately.
What is your advice to aspiring people in your field?
I’m an anatomic pathologist who loves surgical pathology. This is a detail-heavy specialty, but you always have to keep the big picture in mind—your words impact patient care. Be an excellent communicator, ask for help when you need it, and stay curious: read the op notes, look at the scans, show the case around. This work requires humility—it’s hard, and the stakes are high. But above all, remember there’s a person behind every slide. Treat each case as if it came from someone you love.
