C. Jeff Miller / [Alton Ochsner].

  • Alton Ochsner
Date:
[1936]
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: C. Jeff Miller / [Alton Ochsner]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    1/6
    Reprint from SURGERY, GYNECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS June, 1936, Vol. 62, 1024-1023 C. JEFF MILLER ALTON OCHSNER, M.D., F.A.C.S., New Orleans, Louisiana ON March 21, 1936, America lost one of her most distinguished surgeons and magnetic personalities in the death of Dr. C. Jeff Miller. Dr. Miller, a true son of the South, represented the ultimate in medicine, the science of which was greatly benefited because of his having lived. In addition to his professional attainments probably no physician ever meant as much to a com¬ munity, either locally or regionally, in a non-professional way than Dr. Miller. His intense interest in the welfare of humanity is illustrated by the fact that he repeatedly took time from his busy teaching and clinical activities to head Com¬ munity Chest Drives and other similar movements. Not only was his surgical judgment unsurpassed, but also his broad vision and keen insight made his pres¬ ence on many lay boards of inestimable value. Dr. Miller’s education was that of the greatest scholar, as, in addition to his profound knowledge of medicine, he was a connoisseur of music, literature, and art. Some of his happiest hours were spent in his library engrossed in J. M. Barrie, Robert Burns, Osier, and Moynihan. As a teacher he was unsurpassed, primarily because of his profound knowledge of the subject and also because of his lucid and superb presentations. Even dur¬ ing the most trying operative procedures he lectured clearly, and his operative clinics were always filled to their maximum capacity. His ability as an executive is exemplified by the organization of his own de¬ partments and the great influence he exerted on the many boards on which he served. Often after many hours of heated controversy in which he took no part the question would be quickly settled by his logical deductions. Those who knew Dr. Miller could understand the devotion of his patients with whom he shared so freely his wise and generous counsel. He always imparted comfort and reassurance to patient and family in the soft tones of his modulated voice. Dr. Miller was born on February 9, 1874, in Winchester, Tennessee, the son of Charles J. and Elizabeth Johnston Miller. He attended and was graduated from the University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee. His early ambition to study medicine was undoubtedly kindled during his stay with his uncle, Thaddeus Johnston, a country physician. He received his M.D. degree from the University