Experience the advances in cancer treatment with Dr. Michael Miller from Virginia Oncology Associates as he shares his inspiring journey into the field of medicine, rooted in the influence of his sister’s nursing career. Discover the game-changing technologies revolutionizing radiation oncology, such as the TrueBeam Varian Linear Accelerator. Dr. Miller provides an in-depth look at how these advancements are enhancing precision and improving patient outcomes, laying the groundwork for a new era in cancer care.

Explore the transformative strides in stereotactic radiation therapy, moving beyond traditional gamma knife treatments to cutting-edge techniques that prioritize patient comfort and accuracy. Learn how sophisticated machines like the Varian TrueBeam are revolutionizing lung tumor treatments using gating techniques that synchronize radiation delivery with patient breathing. This segment underscores the versatility and significance of stereotactic radiation therapy in modern medical practice, expanding its applications far beyond brain treatments.

Lastly, dive into the captivating realm of radiopharmaceuticals and brachytherapy. Dr. Miller discusses the evolution of treatments like Radium-223 and Lutetium-177 for prostate cancer and their potential to target other cancers. Get insights on HDR brachytherapy, which delivers high-dose radiation directly to tumors with minimal patient discomfort, particularly for skin cancer. Plus, get a sneak peek into our upcoming episode with Dr. Jacob Hall, who will explore the use of radiation therapy beyond cancer, including its applications for osteoarthritis. Join us on this enlightening journey through the forefront of radiation oncology!

Dr. Michael Miller graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.S. in Pharmacy. He received his doctorate from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine where he was valedictorian and a member of the Sigma Alpha Omicron Honor Society. He completed a surgical internship at the Doctor's Hospital/Ohio Health.

His residency was completed at Eastern Virginia Medical School where he was Chief Resident. Dr. Miller was awarded the 2005 American Brachytherapy Society Prostate Fellowship Award at the Seattle Prostate Institute. Dr. Miller is board-certified by the American Board of Radiology as a specialist in Radiation Oncology.

Dr. Miller resides in Virginia Beach with his wife and sons and enjoys outdoor sports and other fitness activities.

Resources mentioned in this podcast

National Cancer Institute: https://www.cancer.gov/

American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/

National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN): https://www.nccn.org/

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Cancer Care Connections is the official podcast of Virginia Oncology Associates. For more information, visit us at VirginiaCancer.com. or find us on Facebook or Instagram at Virginia Oncology Associates.