Akron Children’s welcomes Dr. Wendy Millis to our new primary care location in Lorain.
Growing up, Dr. Wendy Millis dreamed of becoming a lawyer. Though her life and desires ultimately took a different path, she is still living out her dream of advising, advocating and partnering with families to positively impact their lives through medicine.
As our newest pediatrician at Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatrics, Lorain, Dr. Millis is honored and blessed to have found her passion in treating infants, children and teens with minor to acute medical conditions. She absolutely loves partnering with the families of Lorain and watching their children grow and develop — particularly the youngest ones.
Just as a lawyer strives to be top counsel with each new case, Dr. Millis’ goal is to provide the best medical care in the community so kids can quickly get back to the business of being kids.
Why did you choose to come to Akron Children’s Hospital?
I have come back “home” to Akron Children’s to join the new primary care practice in Lorain. I completed my pediatric residency at Akron Children’s in 1999 and I have been working as a primary care pediatrician since then.
I am so proud to return to Akron Children’s. I have been referring patients here for specialty services since I finished residency and have always been amazed at the treatment my patients have received. The specialty providers at Akron Children’s have always been helpful and encouraging to me.
Describe your role at Akron Children’s and what you hope to accomplish?
I am a pediatrician at Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatrics, Lorain. My goal is to provide my pediatric patients with the best medical care in the community and guide parents through the growth and development of their children.
Dr. Millis and her husband, Bernie, enjoy Bible studies and playing with their cats, Marley and Charlie.
What is your area of expertise and why did you choose it?
I chose to be a general pediatrician because I enjoy partnering with families and watching children grow and develop. I particularly enjoy working with our youngest patients, including those who have spent time in the neonatal ICU.
Do you have a favorite instructor or mentor?
My mentor, Dr. Glenn Trippe, encouraged me throughout my training and career. I had the pleasure of following Dr. Trippe as a third-year medical student at his practice, New Beginnings Pediatrics in Norwalk, Ohio. His passion for the medical care of children inspired me to become a general pediatrician. He also completed his pediatric training at Akron Children’s, and he continues to guide me on my career journey.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Toledo with my parents and older brother, Mike. We enjoy spending time together as a family, particularly sharing meals and taking vacations together.
Who makes up your family, including pets and their names?
My husband, Bernie, and I enjoy traveling our country, trying new foods and attending church and Bible studies together. We enjoy our 2 cats, Marley and Charlie, who make us smile every day with their silly antics. I also have 2 wonderful adult stepdaughters, Heather and Alyssa. I am honored to be in their lives.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I remember as a child I wanted to be a lawyer, my brother wanted to be a doctor and our best friend, Kelly, wanted to be a dentist. My brother accomplished that childhood dream, while life took our friend and me in different career directions. I am honored and blessed to have found my passion being a general pediatrician.
What do you do when you aren’t working?
When I am not working or spending time with my family, I practice Hatha and Restorative Yoga at least twice a week with my best friend, Melissa. Yoga gives me time to relax and practice focused breathing and stretching. I also enjoy shopping and baking desserts and pastries. I have quite a recipe collection for all kinds of goodies.
Dr. Wendy Millis’ favorite – and most beautiful – vacation spot is Waimea Canyon State Park on Kauai.
What is your favorite vacation spot and why?
My favorite vacation spot is Hawaii. My grandfather lived there for many years, and I have visited the islands many times. The most beautiful place I have ever been is the Waimea Canyon State Park on the island of Kauai. It is peaceful and extraordinarily beautiful.
What was your first paying job?
My first job was at age 11 as a newspaper carrier in my neighborhood. I shared the paper route with my brother, and we took turns delivering the newspaper 7 days a week. I enjoyed meeting my neighbors while delivering the newspaper and helping them with odd jobs.
After high school, I also worked in a day care established near the campus of my high school, Notre Dame Academy. While in college in St. Louis, I worked as a lab tech in an entomology lab helping collect research data on the Colorado potato beetle.
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