On Veterans Day, we pause to honor those who have served our country with courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment. Among them is Dr. Drew Millar, a PGY-1 resident in the Duke Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program, whose journey from military service to medicine reflects the values of resilience, leadership, and compassion.
Millar served as a special operations corpsman in the U.S. Navy, providing critical care on the battlefield and witnessing firsthand the transformative power of orthopedic surgery.
“From sniper teams to small boat operations, I observed how skill and precision could mean the difference between life and limb,” he shares. “Treating my teammates, following their recovery, and watching them regain independence through self-determination, thanks to the remarkable orthopaedic surgeons, inspired me. Continuing my mission to serve others by helping patients reclaim their quality of life felt like a natural next step.”
His military experience continues to shape his approach to patient care and surgical training. “The military taught me to remain calm in chaos, lead through adversity, and value every member of the team,” Millar says. “Those lessons translate directly to the operating room. I approach each patient with the same sense of responsibility I had for my teammates—knowing that trust, preparation, and composure make all the difference.”
Since joining Duke Orthopaedics, Millar has already encountered moments that reaffirm his calling. “At Duke Regional, I watched a patient stand and walk after a complex hip surgery I contributed to. That moment reminded me why all the long nights and sacrifices are worth it,” he reflects. But it’s not just the clinical milestones that stand out — it’s the culture. “When we arrived in Durham, my daughter’s fourth birthday was coming up. One of the residents organized a party for her and invited everyone with kids. Every single person showed up. It turned into her biggest birthday ever, and she still talks about it.”
For Millar, Veterans Day has a very personal meaning. “It’s a time to pause and think about those who stood ready to protect something bigger than themselves. It’s also a reminder of the friends who didn’t make it home—and a call to keep living with purpose in their memory.”
He credits his family as a vital source of strength. “I can’t go without expressing how grateful I am for the support of my wife and children. No matter how long or demanding the day has been, the moment I walk through the door, they always know how to make me smile.”
“Service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off,” Millar says. “It just takes on a new form. For me, that form is helping patients heal and regain their independence—just like the surgeons who helped my teammates.”
Millar’s journey is a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of service—and how veterans continue to serve, heal, and inspire in new chapters of their lives.