Virginia Miller, Ph.D.

Virginia Miller, Ph.D., a Mayo Clinic vascular physiologist, believes that busy people age well. If she's right, a fountain of youth wells out of her passions for science, ballroom dancing, and Christian missionary work.

Silver Twinkles and Tandem Grapevines

Well before the hit show "Dancing with the Stars" put ballroom dancing on the comeback trail, Dr. Miller, resplendent in her dazzling, crystal-studded gown, spent many a Friday evening executing silver twinkles and tandem grapevines.

"Waltzes, quick steps and foxtrots are my exercise," says Dr. Miller. "My idea of exercise is to find an activity you enjoy. I like glitz. I like getting dressed up, and I love music, so ballroom dancing suits me perfectly."

After six years of private lessons and practicing with other members of a small, dedicated group, Dr. Miller became an expert dancer, but one that shunned competition.

"I don't crave competition in my extracurricular activities," says Dr. Miller. "I get enough of that in my work."

Dr. Miller is pleased to have helped inject enthusiasm for ballroom dancing among her colleagues. Following a presentation about it, when she wrapped up her term as president of the local Sigma Xi chapter in 2001, she was asked to give demonstrations at several Mayo Clinic parties. Among the Mayo Clinic physicians who consequently took it up, was Patricia Barrier, M.D., who won the Top Bronze Student category at the Yankee Classic DanceSport Championships in 2007.

But Dr. Miller's pastimes are not all glitz and glamour.

Spiritual Needs for Special People

As chairperson of the mission board at her church, Dr. Miller formed a ministry that focuses on the spiritual needs of developmentally disabled individuals.

"We know that humans have spiritual, physical and emotional needs," says Dr. Miller. "Our challenge is to meet the spiritual needs of developmentally disabled people at a level that can be understood, in order for them to become whole human beings."

Currently, the ministry is working with members of the congregation who have children with special needs to create innovative avenues through which the children's spiritual lives can be enriched. While currently focused on their own congregation, Dr. Miller hopes to reach out to the broader community as they refine their strategies.

Having completed an MBA in the years after she became an empty nester, and with leadership experience in Mayo's Women's Health Center and Sigma Xi, Dr. Miller looks forward to expanding on her ministry work in her retirement years.

"I love science," she says. "But I feel a deep need to devote my retirement years in service to the church."

Wherever her future leads her, Dr. Miller is certain to continue dancing to her precept of living well by staying busy.

- Yvonne Hubmayr