ATLANTA – Kenneth J. Miller, MD, chair of the Department of Emergency Services at Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital, is the 2019 recipient of the E. Napier "Buck" Burson, Jr., MD, Physician Award of Distinction. The award is the highest honor for physician service at the hospital, named for the late Burson, who was former chief of staff at Saint Joseph’s and a leader in the field of gastroenterology.

Burson Award recipients are selected annually for their adherence to the Mercy philosophy and contribution to the Mercy mission in Atlanta, for their contribution to the quality of medicine practiced at Emory Saint Joseph’s and for their leadership role as a member of the medical staff. 

“As chair of emergency services at Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital, Dr. Miller is a well-respected leader and outstanding clinician,” says Heather Dexter, CEO of Emory Saint Joseph’s. “We recognize him with the Burson Award for his excellent contributions to medicine and for being a tireless advocate for his patients and for our community.”

This was the 29th annual celebration of the Burson Physician Award of Distinction, a longtime tradition at the hospital.

Miller received his medical degree from the University of Massachusetts and completed his internship and first year of residency in internal medicine at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Miller then worked as a Public Health Service Clinic Physician at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), after which he completed his residency in internal medicine at Emory University. He is board certified in internal medicine and emergency medicine. Miller joined Saint Joseph’s Hospital in 1984 through Emergency Care of Atlanta, the service provider staffing the hospital's emergency department.

“I am honored to have received this prestigious award and to have my name listed alongside the esteemed physicians who have previously won the Burson award,” says Miller.

###