Written By: Matt Mauney,
Last modified: November 7, 2024
Quick Facts
  • certificate with a ribbon icon below
    Certifications:
    • Bachelor’s in Psychology, University of Central Florida
  • membership card and identification icon
    Memberships:

    AONN logo
    ASCO logo

    IASLC logo

    ATS logo

  • plus sign in a circle icon
    Expertise:
    • Cancer Specialists
    • Medical Debt
    • Financial Planning Insurance (Medicare & Medicaid)
    • Mesothelioma Awareness
    • Financial Assistance
  • icon of a person inside of circle
    Author Profiles:

About Missy

Missy Miller joined The Mesothelioma Center in 2010. A graduate of the University of Central Florida, she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. This helped prepare her to help meet the needs of families facing mesothelioma.

She is a member of several medical societies. These include nursing and medical associations.
  • Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Advocates
  • American Thoracic Society
  • The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer

The Journal of Oncology Navigation & Survivorship interviewed her in 2018. They discussed her role with the Medical Outreach team.

Missy’s Role With the Medical Outreach Program

Missy directs our Medical Outreach Program. In her role, she connects with top hospitals and cancer centers. She travels the country to meet with specialists. Through these meetings, she builds important relationships. This creates chances to collaborate to help patients.

She learns what they offer mesothelioma patients. Missy also raises awareness about the work our Patient Advocates do to help patients. Top doctors join our Doctor Match Program because of these ties. Our Patient Advocates can connect patients with the right doctor for them. And doctors refer patients to us to find helpful resources.

Missy also attends medical conferences. She connects with patient navigators, social workers and advocates.

Working With Patients and Their Families

In addition to outreach and work with our Patient Advocate team, Missy helps patients directly. She helps patients travel to mesothelioma centers. These specialty centers can be far from where patients live. Missy can help them find travel grants and lodging discounts.

Missy shares emotional support resources. These can include mesothelioma-specific support groups. For more than a decade, Missy has guided families to medical, financial and emotional support. Missy is passionate about helping patients navigate their journey.

“A lot of times patients will come to us with initial needs,” Missy tells us. “I end up developing good friendships with many patients and their families. They call me with all sorts of questions.”  

“For example, sometimes people on chemo aren’t feeling well. They want to know what they can do. Their stomach hurts. Or they ask, ‘Am I going to lose my hair?'” Missy shares. “They share different types of fears that they have. I always give patients my cell phone number. So they’ll call me in the evenings or call me during the day. We develop a friendship and a relationship.”