When it comes to creativity in medicine, Dr. Phillip Miller has been at the forefront for over 30 year/ As a pioneer in longevity medicine, he has seen the field evolve, from being a niche area of study to becoming a mainstream pursuit. In our conversation, he shared his insights into how longevity medicine has changed, why ‘healthspan’ is just as important as lifespan, and what he believes is holding back the healthcare field today.
Key Takeaways from Dr. Miller:
- Healthspan vs. Lifespan: It's not just about living longer; it’s about living healthier for as long as possible. The goal is to “square the curve,” maintaining optimal health well into later decades rather than experiencing a long decline.
- Emergency Medicine as a training ground: Many longevity experts, including Dr. Miller, started in emergency medicine. Their ability to rapidly diagnose and solve problems across multiple disciplines makes them uniquely-suited this kind of practice.
- The Rise of Weight Loss Medications: Dr. Miller is a strong proponent of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro, seeing them as a revolutionary step forward in treating obesity, which has become an true epidemic.
- Why People Struggle with Healthcare: Many people expect insurance to cover everything/ He encourages patients to shift their mindset from “What will insurance cover?” to “What am I willing to invest in my long-term health?”
- A Unique Approach to Patient Care: Unlike the standard five-minute doctor visit, Dr. Miller’s unique approach lets him spend an hour with each patient, diving deep into their history, health goals, and even personal preferences—using five simple questions about their favorite book, magazine, place, person, and color to deeply understand their motivations and mindset.
- Advice for Other Practitioners: For doctors frustrated by the constraints of insurance-driven medicine, Dr. Miller offers coaching to help them transition to a more patient-centered, independent model of care.
As the world of medicine continues to evolve, Dr. Miller’s approach remains focused on optimizing health and empowering patients to take control of their well-being.
