Center History

Clinic History  |  Biography of James Q. Miller, MD

Clinic History

The Multiple Sclerosis Clinic at the University of Virginia was established in 2000. The Clinic was named in honor of the late James Q. Miller, M.D., a life-long supporter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and Chair of the Blue Ridge Chapter's Professional Advisory Committee since 1962. 

Dr. Miller understood the complex needs of patients with multiple sclerosis and encouraged the establishment of a subspecialty clinic within the Department of Neurology devoted to their care. Dr. Simnad first joined this effort in 2000, with a growing practice drawing from communities throughout the Commonwealth and adjacent states. Dr. Simnad was able to bring the first of several high quality therapeutic clinical trials in MS to the University and to develop a team of professionals (see "Who We Are") to provide a multi-disciplinary approach to clinical care.  This dedicated group has provided community and professional educational programs throughout Virginia, and has worked with local health care providers to optimize care plans and community support services. With the recent arrival Dr. Myla D. Goldman in 2006, a new phase of growth is anticipated in both translational and clinical research in multiple sclerosis at the University.

Biography of James Q. Miller, M.D.

James Q. Miller

Dr. Miller was educated at Haverford College and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. His post-graduate training included Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, N.Y., The University of Virginia Medical Center and Boston Childrens and Massachusetts General Hospitals. His early career was significantly oriented toward the pathological and cytogenetic aspects of congenital disorders of the brain. This included identifying and describing a specific brain malformation, lissencephaly I, which is now termed the Miller-Dieker Syndrome.

Upon joining the UVA faculty in 1962, he established its first cytogenetics laboratory which he managed until its expansion into the genetics program based in the Department of Pediatrics. Dr. Miller became deeply involved in medical student education, as well as patient care and administration. He was Assistant Dean of the School of Medicine for seven years, chaired the University Senate Committee on Faculty Relations and after a partial retirement became Chair of the Hospital Ethics Committee.

Awards for teaching included the three-time recipient of the Robley Dunglison Award, The A.B. Baker Award for Lifetime Achievement in Neurological Education of the American Academy of Neurology, the Outstanding Teacher Award of the American Neurological Association and an Outstanding Teacher Award of the Virginia State Council on Higher Education. Most recently he was designated the Harrison Distinguished Educator at the Capital School of Medicine. In April 2005, he received the Raven Society Award for service to the University, its students and medical programs.

Dr. Miller's special clinical interests were neurological diseases of children, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. He was a life-long supporter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, both nationally and locally, and chaired the Blue Ridge Chapter's Professional Advisory Committee since 1962.