Fred Miller's journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of creativity. As a Patient Access Specialist at Erie Family Health Centers, Fred spends his days ensuring patients feel heard and cared for, a skill he has honed through years of varied experiences and a deeply rooted understanding of human connection.
Fred’s story begins with family. Growing up in a household rich with history and traditions, he inherited a legacy of care and culinary creativity from his great-great-great-great-grandmother, who was both a nurse and a cook. This lineage inspired his approach to life—a mix of compassion and artistry. His parents came from large families—his mother had 20 siblings, and his father had seven. Their close-knit dynamic became a model for how Fred builds relationships in both his personal and professional life.
Before joining Erie, Fred spent years traveling the world with L’Oréal, setting up trade shows. "They hired me to work a summer," he says, "and it lasted 20 years." While the logistics of event planning were demanding, it was the cultural exploration that captivated him. Fred developed a knack for getting "nosey" with chefs in the best way possible—digging into the stories, traditions, and flavors of the places he visited. Cooking became his way of bringing those experiences home. The dishes he learned to make from restaurants around the globe now find their way into his kitchen, often shared with friends and family, especially during the pandemic. "Families shared a lot during that time," Fred recalls. "For me, it was my cooking."
You can get a sneak peak of a shortbread cookie recipe, aquí.
Fred’s culinary passion has grown beyond his immediate circle. For the past five years, he’s been working on a cookbook that combines family recipes with inspiration from the chefs he’s met throughout his travels. Slated for publication in 2025, the cookbook represents not just his culinary expertise but also the connections he’s made over the years. "My cooking has gotten its legs," he says proudly. "It’s doing what it needs to do."
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Fred’s career path took a sharp turn. The trade show industry came to a halt, and Fred found himself searching for a new way to channel his skills. Erie Family Health Centers became that outlet. In his role, Fred learned the art of scheduling, a skill he describes as both logistical and intuitive. “You have to know how to flow when scheduling patients,” he explains. "You don’t want to get bogged down. Patients are at their best when you understand what they need."
Working with patients wasn’t always easy. "At first, patients weren’t very nice,” Fred admits. “But it got better once I knew what they wanted. Patients want one thing—they want to be heard." This realization became a cornerstone of his approach, reinforcing his belief that people are “more alike than not.”
Despite the challenges, Fred’s role at Erie has been deeply fulfilling. His background as a painter and graphic designer—he holds a degree in the field—helps him stay grounded. "Painting depends on how I’m feeling," he says. "It keeps me calm and gets the creative energies flowing." This balance of art and service is what keeps Fred thriving.
Fred believes that success requires three key elements: passion, drive, and intent. “You can’t be a machine,” he says. “You have to like people and be driven to do what you love. Remember how dope you are.” This philosophy has not only guided his work but also inspired others to notice the dedication he brings to every endeavor.
Today, Fred’s cooking, art, and work at Erie Family Health Centers are a seamless blend of his passions and skills. His story is a reminder that even in the face of change, creativity and connection can light the way forward. As he looks to the future—with a cookbook on the horizon and a community that values his contributions—Fred continues to prove that passion, when combined with intent, can turn life’s challenges into opportunities.