Wayne Miller: A Second Chance, A New Calling

Working as a laboratory technician at Southern New Hampshire Health was never the goal for Wayne Miller, but after a life-changing medical event, he couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. 

What began as an ordinary day quickly turned into a nightmare when Wayne suffered a heart attack. In that moment, Wayne wasn’t sure where to go and he didn’t know much about Southern New Hampshire Medical Center. But after receiving exceptional, life-saving care, he says he couldn't have asked for a better place to be.

From the emergency department staff, to those who took care of him in the hospital, Wayne was surrounded by compassionate, highly skilled caregivers who made a lasting impression on him. 

Following his discharge, Wayne enrolled in Southern New Hampshire Cardiac Rehabilitation, where he found more than just support for his physical recovery. He found a team that would help transform his outlook on life.

Before his heart attack, Wayne worked in sales and marketing for a large pharmaceutical company. He didn’t realize how much stress his job was causing him until the team at Cardiac Rehab helped him recognize the toll that stress had been taking on his health and well-being.

"The team helped me see things differently," Wayne recalls. "They helped me understand the impact stress was having on my life and encouraged me to think about what truly mattered moving forward."

The Cardiac Rehab team did more than support Wayne's recovery; they helped him envision a new future. Through conversations and encouragement, they introduced him to opportunities within Southern New Hampshire Health, eventually leading him to a position in the laboratory.

From his first day, Wayne could tell that this would be the only job he would ever want going forward. The lab team at Southern New Hampshire welcomed him with open arms. He quickly realized the team was a well-oiled machine, working seamlessly together to deliver exceptional care.

Wayne's original college degree and first job was in Medical Technology. He made a career choice after several years to explore the industrial side of science. Now, being back in a similar role at Southern New Hampshire Health, Wayne feels as though he has the opportunity to give back to those who helped him when he needed it most. 

What started as a medical emergency ultimately became an opportunity for a fresh start, one that allowed Wayne to rediscover a profession he loves while making a difference for others every day.

Fun Fact: When he's not working in the laboratory, Wayne can often be found on the golf course. In fact, he and his team have won the Legacy Trust Golf Tournament two years in a row.