MB FRCS.Ed FRCOG
Former Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Mayday Hospital, Croydon (born 1912, qualified Birmingham 1943, died 22nd Nov 2007)
John Miller began as an insurance underwriter but changed to medicine in Oct 1938 attributing this to a new found Christian faith. After three years study at night classes he was admitted to the new medical school of the University of Birmingham in 1938. He qualified in 1943, he worked at Walsall then at the maternity hospital in the city. This encouraged his attempt to specialise in O&G. In April 1947 he moved to Mayday hospital, Croydon as assistant. He achieved his Royal College membership in 1951 and in 1953 he was appointed as Consultant in Mayday. He supervised the delivery of over 3000 babies delivering many premature babies, especially difficult in the 1960's, and his team achieved one of the lowest maternal death rates and infant mortality rates in the country in that period. He came under strong media criticism for his stance against abortion for non-medical reasons. In 1965, he was elected a Fellow, and became an Examiner for The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. It was the culmination of the dream he started with in 1938. He retired in 1977 but continued happily for another ten years as a locum finally giving up with great reluctance at 75. He was greatly supported by his wife Edna who shared both his Christian faith and his medical life. Edna died in 1989. He remained actively in-contact with colleagues and patients until his death at the age of 95. One of his senior registrar Mr Manoharan said “ I have always regarded him as one of God's special gifts being conscious that His gifts are always on loan and with a bit of luck on long lease. The gift has been duly returned with thanks.” He leaves behind 2 sons (both GP's), 1 daughter and 7 grandchildren (3 doctors).
John Keene, Grandson, and GP Registrar