Life's work brings still another rewardValley doctor to be honored for treatment of disabled kidsLOU HIRSH
|
 Dr. Stephen Milliner visits with Elizabeth Caulfield in a playroom at the Upward Foundation in Phoenix. The foundation is honoring the orthopedic surgeon for his work in the community with children who have special health needs. Photo courtesy of Upward Foundation |
After finishing a stint as an officer in the South African navy and subsequently completing surgical training at hospitals in Johannesburg, Milliner was set to begin an orthopedic residency at Duke University Medical Center in North Carolina. But first, he and wife Melanie set out on a journey
"We saw places and did things that otherwise we would have had to wait decades for," the experienced world traveler says, referring to the busy life in medicine that lay ahead. "I've probably seen more of America than many of the people who were born here."
Now 48, Milliner is fully involved in a professional life that he says is equally as rewarding as those earlier experiences, if not more so. His Phoenix orthopedic surgical practice, in which he specializes in pediatric care, has enabled him to improve the lives of his young patients, winning fans among their anxious parents along the way.
"He has an incredible rapport with the kids, but also with the parents," says Stephanie Cohen, who has had two of her own children treated by Milliner. "He communicates with you and asks questions; he doesn't just tell you, 'This is how it is, and this is what we're going to do.' And he has a terrific sense of humor."
From her work as director of early childhood education for the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center Preschool, Cohen said she understands the importance of being able to help kids by knowing how to interact with their parents.
"He has such a great way of comforting parents," says Cohen. "He knows that if we're nervous and upset, it's going to be reflected in the child's reaction to what's happening. He knows how to alleviate a parent's fears and keep things in perspective."
Cindy Carpenter, whose daughter Cortney recently had spinal fusion surgery done by Milliner, agrees with that assessment of the doctor's approach.
"He has an ability to make everyone feel at ease," says Carpenter. "He and his office staff help you make the best of it if you have to go through something like this."
Later this month, the chorus of praise for Milliner will grow some more, when Upward Foundation honors him with its Premier Service Award for his dedication to children with special health needs. A tribute dinner is planned for 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24, at the Phoenix Country Club.
Milliner is the second recipient of the honor, which Upward Foundation hopes to bestow annually. The foundation last year honored Valley pediatrician David Hirsch.
Founded in 1958, Upward Foundation is a private, non-profit organization that provides services to children who are severely disabled at birth or in their early years. The organization's facility, located at 6306 N. Seventh St. in Phoenix, provides classes, day care, and medical and physical therapy facilities, as well as parental support.
Marjorie Salinas, executive director of Upward Foundation, says Milliner is in touch with the psychological as well as the medical needs of the families that come to him.
"Dr. Milliner has a real understanding of the pain that the child is in, but he also is in touch with what it is putting the family through," says Salinas. "He really knows how to zero in and address what a family needs to know to put them at ease; he knows exactly what to do. He reaches out to the children and the parents in a very positive way."
Milliner, whose patients include disabled as well as non-disabled children, describes as "genetic" his ability to deal with patients and parents in a way that is comforting.
"It's the way I was raised. I was brought up to treat people right," the doctor says, referring to his Jewish upbringing. "I enjoy my work, and I enjoy interacting with people."
Milliner is now a member of Beth El Congregation in Phoenix.
He said he was surprised but honored when he first heard he would be formally recognized by the Upward Foundation.
"The work itself is very rewarding. To be recognized for the work is doubly fulfilling," he says.
Upward Foundation currently serves 125 children at its Phoenix facilities. Call 279-5801 for more information on the foundation's programs or the upcoming honorary event.
