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Miller Vein is proud to announce that Dr. Miller, his daughter Rachel and Miller Vein teammates Ryan Bose, and Daisy Lopez completed the Detroit Free Press Half Marathon raising over $10,000 online and from personal donations for the Matthew Bittker Foundation.  

Dr. Miller met Ellie and Allan Bittker through youth softball in 2010. They established the foundation in memory of their son Matthew. He was a brave little boy who battled Stage 4 Neuroblastoma with strength and humor. Despite his passing in 2007, his legacy lives on through the foundation’s commitment to funding vital research for Neuroblastoma and other childhood cancers. 

A dozen enthusiastic Miller Vein employees and their families were on hand to cheer on the runners on the chilly Sunday morning, setting up in front of the Mariners’ Church, which rang their bells though the day.  The crowd was loud and supportive with the Miller Vein spectators holding up signs with positive messages – including a sign that read “SMILE – Remember you paid to do this”.  

As Team Miller Vein approached the runners’ corral packed with thousands of people, they initiated a conversation with a woman in her 50s and her 80-year-old dad. The family had come from Texas to run the half marathon and talked about how they undertake this annual endeavor. When Dr. Miller introduced his daughter Rachel to the couple, the woman smiled at Rachel and prophesied, “This will be you and your dad in the future.” Dr. Miller replied, “I can only hope we can do that together in the future.” 

With the generosity of Miller Vein friends, family, and patients, Team Miller Vein surpassed their online fundraising goal of $7,000 to become the second highest fundraising champion for the 2023 Detroit Free Press Marathon. The goal was chosen in memory of Dr. Miller’s father—an avid marathon runner—who considered seven his lucky number.  

Imagine receiving the devastating news, “Your child has cancer.” No parent ever desires to hear those words. In memory of their son, Matthew, a brave young boy who confronted Stage 4 Neuroblastoma with strength and humor, the Bittkers established the Matthew Bittker Foundation. Despite Matthew’s passing in 2007, the foundation persists in its commitment to funding vital research for Neuroblastoma and other childhood cancers. 

In 2010, Dr. Miller met Ellie and Allan Bittker through youth softball and has since supported the foundation through various events over the past decade. “Coach Jeff” and “Coach Allan” not only developed a lasting bond of friendship but also achieved significant success, winning numerous trophies together while having a ton of fun with their daughters. 

Miller Vein actively donates 10% of all proceeds from the sale of compression stockings to the Matthew Bittker Foundation and has consistently supported the yearly Shop4aCure campaign, contributing thousands of dollars to childhood cancer research. 

In October, Dr. Miller, and his daughter Rachel, along with Miller Vein teammates Ryan Bose, and Daisy Lopez, completed the 2023 Detroit Free Press Half Marathon, raising over $10,000.  

To further aid the Matthew Bittker Foundation, Miller Vein, Michigan’s leading vein treatment center, offers its patients an annual opportunity to support childhood cancer research.  

With a $50 donation to the Matthew Bittker Foundation, Miller Vein provides a 20% discount on VeinErase® and all compression stockings. The VeinErase® method by Miller Vein is a specialized treatment for spider veins, beginning with an evaluation and an individualized care plan. The treatment is quick, comfortable, and allows patients to resume normal activities immediately. 

To contribute to the cause, call 877-432-2184 by January 12th to donate and reserve a VeinErase® appointment*. For online bookings, select “Have Us Call You” on the online form and enter “Bittker” in the message field. 

*Evaluation may be required prior to treatment. Subject to medical approval. Cannot be combined with other offers.

Congratulations to Satish Vayuvegula M.D. on his appointment to President of the American Venous and Lymphatic Society (AVLS). He is an emergency medicine specialist in Plano, TX and has over 23 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Vayuvegula becomes the nineteenth president of the society since its founding in 1985.  

Dr. Vayuvegula’s ER experience, like any doctor specializing in emergency medicine, provides a strong foundation to lead the society into the future. Emergency medicine physicians are considered well-suited for becoming venous and lymphatic specialists for several reasons 

1. Procedural Skills: Emergency physicians have strong procedural skills, developed through their experience handling a wide range of emergencies. Endovenous procedures require a high level of technical proficiency. These physicians gain vascular access in emergency situations making in-office procedures relatively easy in comparison. 

2. Diagnostic Expertise: In an ER environment, doctors are trained in rapid and accurate diagnosis. This expertise can be advantageous in identifying and evaluating vein diseases, enabling timely intervention and appropriate management. 

3. Patient-Centered Approach: Patient education, counseling, and communication skills are essential for the management of vein diseases. Treatment in emergency situations requires a patient-centered approach, as patients are frequently in acute distress.  

4. Adaptability: Emergency physicians are accustomed to dealing with a wide range of medical conditions and must be adaptable to new technologies and treatment modalities. This adaptability is an asset to vein specialists, where new techniques and technologies frequently emerge. 

5. Experience with Ultrasound Imaging: Ultrasound guidance is often utilized in endovenous techniques. ER doctors are proficient in the use of ultrasound for diagnostic and procedural purposes.  

6. Rapid Decision-Making: The ability to assess and act promptly can contribute to better patient outcome in venous and lymphatic treatment. Emergency physicians are trained to make quick, informed decisions in high-pressure situations. 

Dr. Satish Vayuvegula’s appointment as President of the American Venous and Lymphatic Society reinforces the concept that a background as an emergency medicine physician aligns with the demands of venous and lymphatic medicine. Procedural skills, diagnostic expertise, patient-centered approach, adaptability to new technologies, experience with ultrasound imaging, and rapid decision-making capabilities make ER doctors well suited for this specialized field.  

The Detroit Free Press has named Miller Vein a winner of the Michigan Top Workplaces award for the fourth consecutive year. 

“6,697 companies were invited to participate in this year’s top workplaces program. The companies represented in this room tonight took that challenge and came out on top in the eyes of their employees, where it matters,” Detroit Free Press Editor Nicole Avery Nichols said in her address at the Top Workplaces award ceremony.  

When Jeffrey Miller, M.D. founded Miller Vein in 2006, he understood that creating a strong culture is essential for high quality patient care. 

“Happy employees in a medical practice translates to better healthcare.” Dr Miller says. “We really have the best team around, and we do everything in our power to make sure everyone at Miller Vein loves their position.” 

The Miller Vein team is dedicated to helping people feel better and is driven by the company’s core values: humble service, integrity, teamwork, excellence, can-do attitude, and “happiness to go the extra mile”. 

Kellie Bond, a five-year Miller Vein employee said, “Dr. Miller provided me with the opportunity to showcase my skills and shine. Believing in the strength of teamwork, I am thrilled to be part of a company that shares our values and recognizes everyone’s passion. It’s motivating knowing that my work is making an impact.” 

Dr. Miller and his team have made a difference in the lives of more than 20,000 patients. Their integrity is valued in the industry as over 1,500 doctors have referred patients to Miller Vein. 

Miller Vein is proud to announce that Jeremy S. Feldman, M.D. and Jeffrey H. Miller, M.D. have earned a place on the Hour Detroit Magazine 2023 Top Doc list.  

“It is an honor to be recognized by my peers for doing what I enjoy doing the most and that is helping my patients,” says Dr. Feldman. His expertise in Interventional Radiology and Vein Care has earned him the distinction of being one of Detroit’s Top Docs.  

Dr. Feldman is the medical director of Miller Vein Troy.  “We enjoy working with Dr. Feldman because he is approachable, caring and kind. He takes his time with his patients, and he always wants to make sure we’re happy. He always asks if there is anything we need or that he can help with. He is a great person,” says Jessica Otlowski the team’s office manager. 

His educational background includes a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Michigan. 

Dr. Feldman holds board certifications in Interventional and Diagnostic Radiology, ensuring patients receive high-quality care. He completed specialized training through a fellowship in Vascular and Interventional Radiology at the University of Michigan. 

Dr. Miller is the Founder & CEO of Miller Vein and a leader in the field of Vascular and Interventional Radiology and Vein Care. His journey to becoming a Top Doc has been marked by a strong commitment to patient care and a relentless pursuit of excellence. “I’ve always believed that the key to outstanding patient care starts with happy employees in every position from the front desk to the physicians and everyone in between. We don’t have any clock punchers and it shows,” says Miller. 

This is Dr. Miller’s third Top Doc honor, following his inclusion on the 2021 list. His prior work has earned additional awards such as the Faculty Teacher of the Year Award at Oakwood Hospital and Medical Center, Customer Service Excellence Award from the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Michigan’s Economic Bright Spot Award from Corp! Magazine. Miller Vein as won multiple Crain’s Best Places to work awards. 

Dr. Miller’s educational journey includes graduating with high honors in Physiology from Michigan State University and earning his medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine, where he graduated in the top 5% of his class.   

Dr. Miller and Dr. Feldman exemplify qualities of dedication, commitment, and excellence celebrated by the Hour Detroit Magazine Top Doc award. Their contributions to the medical field and their devotion to patients make them healthcare heroes in Metro Detroit. 

Miller Vein has been named to the Crain’s Detroit Business 2023 Best Places to Work list. This is the sixth time we’ve been named to the list since 2014. 

Founded in 2006, Miller Vein has grown from one site and two employees, subleasing a tiny office, to six dedicated vein clinics in Metro Detroit with more than 70 employees. The Miller Vein team is obsessed with helping people feel better, one vein at a time. 

We believe that when our team members feel happy and valued, they are empowered to provide exceptional care for our patients. Our recognition by Crain’s Detroit Business highlights our collaborative and respectful environment, where every team member plays a vital role in delivering outstanding healthcare experiences. 
 
We take pride in our dedication to nurturing our employees’ personal and professional growth. Our staff has the opportunity to carve out a fulfilling career path, backed by comprehensive training. We’re committed to providing a healthy balance between work and personal life with a 4-day work week in clinics and work-from-home opportunities for our back-office staff. We continually recognize our staff’s achievements, and we have numerous contests and friendly competitions between our locations. 
 
We are committed to the community, working with our charity partners; Operation School Bell which provides necessities to underprivileged children, the Matthew Bittker Foundation funding pediatric cancer research, and The National Blood Clot Alliance working to prevent thrombosis and its complications.  

Our passion is to provide the highest quality care while creating an environment where our team feels valued and inspired to make a positive impact on the lives of our patients. We are driven by our core values:  

Humble Service: We serve our patients with kindness, courtesy, respect, and compassion.  
 
Integrity: We are committed to uphold the highest ethical standards and provide our patients with transparent and honest care. 
 
Teamwork: We help our teammates in every way possible as we deliver the best care imaginable to every patient.  
 
Excellence: We strive for excellence in everything we do, from keeping our offices spotless with on-time service, to educating our patients through their journey, and delivering the best care imaginable.  
 
Can-do Positive Attitude: We believe that health and happiness begin with smiles and an upbeat attitude. Optimism is contagious and we love to spread it.  
 
Happy to Go the Extra Mile: We are happy to do whatever it takes to make sure our patients are thrilled with their experience beyond vein care.  

We extend sincere gratitude to our team for their dedication, driving us to set new standards of excellence year after year. We also thank Crain’s Detroit Business for recognizing workplaces that prioritize employees and communities. 

Our journey continues, dedicated to nurturing an environment where collaboration and genuine care converge. In achieving the sixth Crain’s Detroit Business Best Places to Work award, Miller Vein further solidifies its dedication to exceptional patient care, interwoven with the satisfaction of our team.  

What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

Also referred to as lymphatic drainage massage, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a technique that improves the flow of the lymphatic fluid in our body and is a popular treatment for lymphedema.  

MLD is an advanced technique that involves moving the skin over the underlying tissues in repetitive circular and spiral movements. Pressure applied during the massage increases and decreases, following the direction of lymph flow. The pressure creates a pumping effect, helping the lymphatic fluid flow and remove excess fluid from tissues. Lymphatic drainage massage is safe for people with sensitive skin as no oils are used. 

Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage

1. Immune System Health 

The lymphatic system is closely linked to the immune system, which defends the body against infections and supports healing. MLD can stimulate immune cell activity, facilitating the removal of pathogens, reducing inflammation, and supporting the body’s immune response  

2. Relaxation and Stress Relief 

The gentle and rhythmic massage techniques used in MLD induce a state of relaxation. By reducing stress and promoting relaxation, MLD can have a positive impact on overall well-being. 

3. Cell Regeneration  

MLD enhances lymphatic circulation, which facilitates the delivery of nutrients, oxygen, and hormones to the cells. By improving circulation, MLD helps maintain a healthy environment for cells to function optimally. 

4. Waste Removal 

Effective lymphatic drainage assists in removing metabolic waste products and cellular debris from the interstitial spaces around cells. By reducing the accumulation of waste materials, MLD creates a healthier environment for cells to function optimally and regenerate efficiently. 

5. Post-Surgery Recovery 

MLD plays a crucial role in post-surgery recovery. It aids in reducing pain, bruising, and swelling by enhancing the body’s natural healing processes. MLD also helps prevent scarring and promotes better overall tissue regeneration, facilitating a faster and smoother recovery. 

When used as part of a comprehensive lymphedema treatment plan, manual lymphatic drainage can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals living with lymphedema and other conditions. 

We are delighted to announce that Certified Lymphatic Therapist Jeff Shelt, MOTRL, CLT-LANA, CWT, has joined the Miller Vein family. 

A Certified Lymphatic Therapist is trained in specialized care for lymphatic disorders such as lymphedema and lipedema. They understand the lymphatic system’s structure and function, allowing them to identify and address any underlying medical conditions that could potentially contribute to these ailments. 

Miller Vein is the first vein practice in Southeast Michigan to have a Certified Lymphatic Therapist on staff. 

“We are so excited to have Jeff join our team. He comes to us with years of experience treating lymphedema, lipedema, and related conditions,” said Jeffrey Miller M.D., founder, and CEO of Miller Vein 

“It’s such a wonderful opportunity to join Miller Vein. My desire is to spread the awareness of the lymphatic system and the conditions that can occur with it,” Jeff says, “I am excited to bring my knowledge and experience of treating Lymphedema and Lipedema to the team.  My goal is to provide optimal care for each individualized patient who is diagnosed with these conditions”.    

Jeff received his Master of Occupational Therapy from Baker College of Graduate Studies in Flint.  He became a Certified Lymphedema Therapist from the Academy of Lymphatic Studies (ACOLS) and advanced his education with a LANA certification from the Lymphology Association of North America.  Jeff has become a Certified Wound Therapist from the International Lymphedema & Wound Training Institute.    

Lymphedema happens when lymphatic fluid builds up abnormally in the body’s lymph nodes. These nodes are in the neck, underarm, chest, abdomen, and groin. Unfortunately, there is no cure for lymphedema, but Certified Lymphedema Therapists (CLT) can help by focusing on reducing swelling and preventing complications. CLTs have a deep understanding of the lymphatic system and use their knowledge to provide specialized Lymphedema Therapy to patients. 

To become the best at treating lymphedema, CLTs can get certified by the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA). LANA is an organization that supports healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat lymphedema and related disorders. It is a non-profit corporation that offers internationally recognized certifications to these professionals. 

The idea of creating LANA came after the American Cancer Society Lymphedema Workshop in 1998. The workshop recommended establishing certification guidelines to ensure that specific treatments and facilities meet the highest standards. LANA brings together medical professionals with different areas of expertise to form a group dedicated to helping patients with lymphedema. These professionals work to assess, plan, and provide therapeutic interventions to improve the functioning of the lymphatic system and enhance patients’ overall quality of life. 

Obtaining the CLT-LANA® certification is a remarkable achievement for healthcare professionals in the field of lymphology. It shows their leadership, commitment, and expertise in this specialized area. Professionals who hold this certification have demonstrated their high level of competency and dedication to advanced learning. They are truly devoted to providing exceptional care to individuals with lymphedema and related disorders. 

By earning the CLT-LANA® certification, healthcare professionals can demonstrate their expertise and dedication to their patients. This certification serves as a symbol of their commitment to delivering the highest standard of care in the field of lymphology. Patients can trust that professionals with this certification have undergone rigorous training and are well-prepared to provide effective treatments and support for lymphedema and related disorders. 

Lipedema is a condition that is often misunderstood and mistaken for obesity. It mostly affects women and is characterized by the painful accumulation of fat in the lower body. Traditional methods like diet and exercise don’t usually work well for managing symptoms. However, recent scientific studies have found a potential solution: the ketogenic or keto diet. Let’s talk about the evidence that supports managing lipedema with the ketogenic diet. 

Lipedema is different from regular weight gain because the fat builds up in the lower body in a disproportionate and excessive way. Normal diets for weight loss often don’t help much, but studies have shown that a ketogenic diet can make a difference. A ketogenic diet is low in carbs and high in healthy fats, and it puts your body into a state called ketosis. This means your body starts using stored fat for energy, which may reduce the excessive fat build-up seen in lipedema. 

One of the challenges of lipedema is the pain and discomfort it causes. Surprisingly, adopting a ketogenic diet seems to help with the pain, even if you don’t lose much weight. While losing weight can make some symptoms better, research suggests that the pain relief from a keto diet isn’t just because of weight loss.  

Lipedema is also connected to problems with the lymphatic system, which can make the condition worse. But a ketogenic diet stimulates a process called ketogenesis, which can improve the health of your lymph vessels and how they transport fluids. This means that a keto diet may help the lymphatic system work better, which could reduce swelling and fluid retention in the affected areas. 

Inflammation and fibrosis are two factors that make lipedema worse over time. When you’re on a ketogenic diet, your body produces a substance called beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), which has anti-inflammatory properties. BHB helps reduce inflammation by interrupting things that cause stress to your body. By addressing inflammation and possibly limiting fibrosis, a keto diet may benefit lipedema sufferers. 

There is promising evidence that a ketogenic diet can help manage the symptoms of lipedema. Unlike traditional weight loss methods, a keto diet has the potential to target excessive fat build-up, relieve pain, improve lymphatic function, and reduce inflammation associated with lipedema. While a link between the ketogenic diet and lipedema are still being studied, adopting it could be a promising approach for people who want relief from the symptoms and the negative impact on their quality of life caused by this condition.