We are excited to introduce the newest member of the Beaches OBGYN team: Dr. Rakiya Miller.

Born and raised in Lancaster, South Carolina, Dr. Rakiya Miller graduated cum laude from Wofford College before receiving her medical degree from the University of South Carolina in Greenville. She completed her OBGYN residency at the University of Florida in Jacksonville where she served as Administrative Chief Resident during her final academic year and received numerous accolades including Outstanding Resident in Gynecologic Oncology, Outstanding Resident Teacher Award, and the AAGL Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology Award.

A member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), Dr. Miller is especially passionate about empowering women to take control of their health and gain knowledge about their bodies and the changes that occur as they age, in addition to working to ensure that all women, including those in minority populations, receive quality care.

Dr. Miller is married and has four children. In her free time, she enjoys singing, shopping with her stepdaughters, trying new restaurants (especially all things seafood and burgers!), cheering on the Texas Longhorns, watching her children play sports, and spending time at the beach.

What initially inspired you to pursue the field of women’s healthcare / obstetrics and gynecology?
Ever since I was a child, I’ve always wanted to become a doctor. At first, I thought that there was only one type of doctor who did everything. Then I learned that you could be a doctor who only delivers babies and takes care of women when they need a doctor, and I thought, ‘What an amazing job to have!’ I decided that very day that I would become ‘a baby doctor.’

Is there a situation or scenario in the medical field that stands out in your mind that was especially inspiring or moving, perhaps one that helped solidify your chosen career path?
During my third year of medical school, I was able to watch a generalist perform an emergency C-section. I watched her act with such ease and confidence, in what to this family was an extremely frightening situation, know exactly what to do. In that moment, I thought, ‘I want to be just like that.’ I’ve also had the privilege of walking with my mother through her journey with breast cancer. I know how it feels to be the frightened family member with so many unknowns and unanswered questions. These scenarios continue to inspire me to continue to become more compassionate, knowledgeable, and skilled as a doctor and surgeon.

What aspects of the practice are you most passionate about and why?
It’s always exciting to place the newest addition in the arms of an expecting family. Delivering babies is such a joy. However, I think that I’m most passionate about empowering women to take control of their health and be knowledgeable about their bodies, and the changes that occur as we live our life.

How might past colleagues describe you? What will you bring to Beaches OBGYN?
Many of my colleagues have told me that I have a very calming voice and personality and am very reassuring. I will bring my patients at Beaches OBGYN my very best. I will work to ensure that all women receive quality care, including those of us in minority populations. I absolutely love my job, and I’m honored to care for my Jacksonville community.

If you could offer one piece of advice to your female patients, what would it be?
Ask questions. Keep up with all your well-woman visits, screening tests, and exams. If something is unsettling or is on your mind, mention it to your doctor, even if it seems small.

Dr. Rakiya Miller is now accepting new patients. Contact Beaches OBGYN at (904) 241-9775 for more information or to schedule an appointment.