
August 8, 2024
FACTS Conference Speaker Highlight: Danielle J. Miller
Revolutionizing Reproductive Health
By: Molly Franzonello
Director’s Note: In anticipation of our upcoming virtual conference on October 18 and 19, we continue our conference speaker series. This month, we are delighted to introduce Dr. Danielle J. Miller, the founder of Luz Medicine and a board-certified family physician now practicing in Lancaster, PA. We are highlighting Dr. Miller’s journey to primary care and women’s health, as well as her philosophy on the importance of peer support, mentorship, and community. One of Dr. Miller’s mentors, Dr. Anne Nolte, also played a critical role in the formation of FACTS when she introduced co-founders Dr. Marguerite Duane and Dr. Bob Motley. Don’t miss your chance to hear Dr. Miller speak on the timely topic of Reproductive Life Planning on September 19th at our pre-conference at the Family Medicine Education Consortium (FMEC) meeting in Philadelphia. If you are a student, apply for a scholarship to attend for free.
Career Beginnings and Inspirations
Dr. Danielle Miller is a board-certified family physician who earned her medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine and completed her family medicine residency at Lancaster General Hospital. Passionate about caring for individuals across all ages and stages of life, Dr. Miller deeply values the connections she forms with her patients. Her journey from the bustling urban centers of the Northeast to the serene streets of Lancaster is a testament to her passion and adaptability. Her initial career aspirations were centered around the high-paced environment of an urban emergency room in New York City. Later as her career trajectory shifted, Dr. Miller embraced family medicine in Lancaster, PA.
Establishing Luz Medicine
Dr. Miller worked in large health systems and private practice for her first several years in practice. In October 2020, amid the global turmoil caused by the pandemic, Dr. Miller established Luz Medicine — a direct primary care business model focused on the full spectrum of primary care and women’s health, combining professional medical care with a personal touch that respects the lifestyle needs of its patients. “Luz” means “light” in Spanish and points to the office’s mission to shine light on patients’ medical issues and underlying causes. The office’s holistic primary care and reproductive health services include low-cost lab work and radiology through partnerships with major providers, including Quest and LabCorp.

“Dr. Miller established Luz Medicine — a direct primary care business model focused on the full spectrum of primary care and women’s health, combining professional medical care with a personal touch that respects the lifestyle needs of its patients.”
Specialization in Fertility and Reproductive Health
Dr. Miller’s specialization in fertility and reproductive health was inspired by Dr. Anne Nolte, a friend and mentor who was a few years ahead of her in residency and advocated for natural or fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs). With her interest sparked, Dr. Miller designed a one-month elective during her residency at Lancaster General Hospital. During this time, she shadowed doctors in the field who were incorporating FABMs. This eventually led to the integration of the tenets of restorative reproductive medicine (RRM) into Dr. Miller’s own practice.
Philosophy of Patient Care
At Luz Medicine, RRM is not just the application of medical protocols. It is also a philosophy that informs every interaction with patients, especially mothers and children. Dr. Miller believes in listening intently to her patients, which she is able to do more easily thanks to her direct primary care practice model. This approach has proven essential in a field where understanding and empathy are as critical as medical expertise.
Dr. Miller’s work with FABMs/RRM has provided alternative reproductive health solutions and also empowered patients to understand and take charge of their fertility in a way that aligns with their goals and values. The transformative effect of these methods on her patients’ lives is a testament to the power of patient-centered, precision care in reproductive health.
“Dr. Miller’s work with FABMs/RRM has provided alternative reproductive health solutions and also empowered patients to understand and take charge of their fertility in a way that aligns with their goals and values.”
The Value of Community Support
Dr. Miller discussed the challenges of integrating RRM into her practice and highlighted the importance of peer support and community understanding. She participates actively in regional networks and forums — similar to and including those organized by the FACTS community — to share insights and learn from peers. The supportive environment in Lancaster has been helpful in navigating the challenges associated with integrating non-traditional medical methods, and thus allowing Dr. Miller to address her patients’ specific needs effectively. This sense of community and shared purpose is a driving force in her work and is aspirational for other professionals in the field.

Future Goals & Advice for Aspiring Professionals
Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Miller has been involved as a speaker for FACTS. This past April, she gave the kick-off presentation at our conference in Austin. Next month we are excited to welcome her back to present again on the topic of reproductive life planning at the FACTS FMEC pre conference in Philadelphia on September 19th. Dr. Miller also contributes meaningfully by educating medical professionals about fertility awareness, drawing from her experiences in practice. For those looking to venture into RRM practice, Dr. Miller advises a strong clinical foundation that can inform credibility to medical professionals across specialties.
Dr. Miller plans to expand Luz Medicine to offer more comprehensive services and reach a broader audience. She is actively engaged in ongoing research projects that aim to further the understanding and efficacy of FABMs and RRM. For example, she and a business partner are developing the “Bloom” app, which she describes as a “Duolingo for mucus-based fertility awareness.” Dr. Miller is currently looking for funding for the app so that it can be tested, researched, and scaled. This app is part of her broader vision to expand reproductive health solutions that can reach a wider audience, ensuring that more individuals and families receive the support and care they deserve.
“Dr. Miller has been involved as a speaker for FACTS…(and) is actively engaged in ongoing research projects that aim to further the understanding and efficacy of FABMs and RRM.”
Dr. Miller’s goals are a testament to her prioritization of continuous innovation and commitment to patient care in reproductive health. Her pioneering work at Luz Medicine and her deep commitment to restorative reproductive health are changing lives and lighting the way forward in a complex field. Her story is a beacon for aspiring medical professionals and a reminder of the profound impact compassionate, innovative care can have on community health.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Molly Franzonello
Molly Franzonello is the FACTS Communications & Social Media Coordinator. Molly brings extensive experience in health care management, program design, and health policy, holding a MS in Nursing and a Master of Health Administration. She is currently a Doctoral Candidate in Midwifery at Columbia University’s School of Nursing. She previously served as a Health Equity Specialist at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, working on ways to reduce maternal mortality through a special project. Molly contributed to the Defense Health Agency in several roles, improving access to primary care clinics. She will create engaging content and co-manage our online presence to promote fertility awareness and looks forward to continuing to advance healthcare through education!
