Physician Testimonials

Dr. Miller has built a stellar reputation among the many physicians who have worked with him. He is a strong team builder with the goal that the patient gets the best possible outcomes. The following surgical doctors were kind enough be interviewed on behalf of Dr. John Miller.

Alejandro Berenstein, MD

Alejandro Berenstein, MD (Dr B.) is a Clinical Professor and Director of the Pediatric Cerebrovascular Program at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City.

What do you think makes Dr. Miller different from other surgeons?
"He is a very dedicated physician and it’s amazing how he can be in so many places, and be aware of all that’s going on. He works at different hospitals and covers emergencies and difficult problems. He is always there. He is very accessible, very dependable and reliable."

What special qualities do you need to have as a community surgeon?
"I think all boils down to being available, being caring, being responsive to patients’ requests. Sometimes minor things in patients needs become big things, and I think that it’s imperative that a good doctor, a good surgeon is available for his patients. You can have surgeons of similar skills, but the difference is the small extra steps that somebody like John takes for his patients."

What important characteristics should his patients know about him?
"Oh, he is actually a very interesting man! There are a lot of facets to him. Besides being a great surgeon, he is a very curious and very intelligent man. So, there is alot of John that is beyond 'Dr. Miller'. You get a full human being."

Describe what he is like to work with as a person?
"Very easy. When one has a problem, as a doctor that requires his availability, you dial one number, and he gets back to you. Sometimes it is nothing important, but it’s 3:00 o’clock in the morning, and he is getting back to you. So, I think that makes our relationship so good. I have known John now, for many years.

Actually an interesting story is that Dr. Miller and I had alot of patients together, even before we even met in person. You know the type of practice that I have is very unique. So that there were not that many people in New York City that actually did what I do. So, I remember John calling me on the phone many times and referring patients to me, and me getting back to him. And you know when you hear the voice of somebody you create a mental imag,e and then suddenly you meet the person face to face and it’s completely different than what you imagined. He has a great smile, and he is a lot of fun!

He is also a very good teacher. When I met him, he was full time assistant associate professor at Downstate. Dr. Miller invited me to give Grand Rounds with other doctors there, and I could see how his residents really depended on him and liked him. He was a mentor for many of them. And that again reflects the personalty and character of the individual."

If you only had a few words to describe him, what would they be?
"He is the kind of surgeon that you are looking for, you don’t necessary need a very famous person, they might not be available to you. You need an effective person to be there for you. He's a mensch!"

David Langer, MD

David Langer, MD, FAANS, is the Chief of Neurosurgery, Lenox Hill Hospital, and Associate Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, Hofstra School of Medicine, Cerebrovascular & NeuroEndovascular Surgeon, North Shore/LIJ System.

What do you think makes Dr. Miller different from other surgeons?
"I think that it's his work ethic and his availability are the biggest things about John. He is always willng to work hard and be there for his patients."

What special qualities do you need to have as a community/emergency surgeon?
"I think patience and compassion."

What do you want his patients to know about him?
"That he genuinely cares!"

What special qualities do you need to have as a trauma surgeon?
"You have got to be able to deal with a variety of neurological problems, and to be comfortable with pretty much every type of neurosurgery, whether it's intercranial or spinal surgery. You must be able to do it as the first responder, to be able to deal with things and know what your limitations are. You also need to know when to ask for help and that's something that John is able to do well."

Chandranath Sen, MD

Dr. Sen is a world leader in the complex Neurosurgical treatment of cranial base tumors at NYU Neurosurgery Associates (Affiliated with NYU Langone).

What do you think makes Dr. Miller different from other surgeons?

"Well I think that John is very caring, he is very thoughtful, and he is very knowledgeable, and I think that he is very attentive to all of his patients."

What special qualities do you need to have as a community/emergency surgeon?
"The quality that he has which I think sets him apart from other surgeons, is that he is truly in the community. He goes to so many different hospitals and emergency rooms, and is able to balance all that and yet practice at a high level of neurosurgery. So, it makes him available to many doctors and patients at one time. To keep all of this straight and be able to juggle all these things together, it’s a tough job, and I think that’s what separates him from all of the others."

Describe what he is like to work with as a person?
"Oh. he is very pleasant to work with. The times that I work with him are during some difficult tumors that John brings me in on. And that’s another great quality about him. if he thinks that this particular case requires somebody else’s expertise also, he is never shy to ask for help. Which is a great thing because ultimately it shows his interest in wanting the best thing for his patients. I have worked with him on many cases and he is very collegial and quite skillful in his own right."

If you only had a few words to describe him, what would they be?
"Low key, quiet, understated, very thoughtful and an excellent doctor."

If you only had a few words to describe him, what would they be?
"I think that John is a compassionate human being who is ideally suited to be a doctor and a surgeon!"

Dr. Richard Anderson

Richard C.E. Anderson, MD, FACS, FAAP, is a Pediatric Neurosurgeon with the, Neurological Institute, Columbia Neurosurgery, &  Assistant Professor, Department of Neurological Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

What do you think makes Dr. Miller different from other surgeons?
"He has a very good bedside manner, he's compassionate, very smart, well trained and thoughtful. It's the combination of these things that make him a good surgeon."

What special qualities do you need to have as a community/emergency surgeon?
"He got to to be organized. He's got to be able to prioritize, and be good communicator with patients and their families."

What do you want his patients to know about him?
"He puts patient's concerns first, that he is available, thoughtful. Technically he is very good, and has alot of experience. He is going to take good care of his patients."

Describe what he is like to work with as a person?
"He is great to work with."

If you only had a few words to describe him, what would they be?
"A great doctor!"