The medical community in Texas and far beyond is mourning the tragic loss of one of its brightest and most compassionate minds. Dr. Larry J. Miller, a renowned emergency medicine physician, entrepreneur, humanitarian, and founder of THIN4FUN LLC, passed away this morning, April 16, 2025, from a self-inflicted injury. He was 67 years old.
According to early reports, Dr. Miller died by suicide, leaving behind a lasting legacy of innovation, service, and healing. His passing has sent shockwaves through the communities he tirelessly served and the many lives he touched throughout his prolific career.
A Pioneering Career in Emergency Medicine
Dr. Larry J. Miller was a board-certified emergency medicine physician who dedicated more than three decades to providing lifesaving care in South Texas. He received his medical degree from the prestigious University of Michigan Medical School and began a remarkable journey that saw him serve as the chairman of the emergency departments at five Baptist Health System hospitals in San Antonio for over 15 years.
During his 31-year tenure practicing emergency medicine at Baptist hospitals, Dr. Miller treated over 130,000 patients. He also served as medical director for 10 EMS agencies throughout South Texas for more than 30 years, providing medical oversight and guidance to first responders. Throughout his career, he was never involved in a malpractice action—a testament to his professionalism, skill, and ethical approach to care.
Innovator and Inventor: Saving Lives Around the World
Dr. Miller’s contributions extended well beyond the emergency room. He was the visionary inventor of the EZ-IO®, a groundbreaking intraosseous access device that revolutionized emergency care by allowing rapid delivery of fluids and medication directly into the bone marrow. This device has been credited with saving the lives of over 4 million patients globally.
As the founder and CEO of Vidacare, Dr. Miller led the development of this life-saving technology, which earned Innovation of the Year awards from The Wall Street Journal in both 2008 and 2012. He held over 120 patents and obtained 18 FDA device approvals, making him one of the most prolific medical inventors of his time. In 2013, he sold Vidacare to Teleflex, after which he committed himself to volunteer medicine and humanitarian work.
A Life of Service and Philanthropy
After retiring from full-time emergency practice, Dr. Miller focused on helping underserved communities. He volunteered in South Texas and served as a missionary physician in El Salvador, providing medical care to those who otherwise had limited or no access to healthcare.
He was the Medical Director of Acacia Medical Missions and Acacia Medical Clinic, where he combined his medical expertise with a deep commitment to social issues and holistic care. His wellness initiative, THIN4FUN LLC, focused on lifestyle improvement and weight loss through a web-based program aimed at long-term health and personal transformation.
His dedication was recognized with numerous honors, including being named Humanitarian of the Year by the University of Michigan in 2017.
Author, Educator, and Mentor
Dr. Miller was not only a physician and inventor but also a prolific author and thought leader. He wrote three books:
Never Get Sick on the 1st of July
I Smuggled Drugs for God
Suicide Stalks the Sniper
These works explored medicine, morality, and the psychological toll of high-stakes medical practice—often blending storytelling with profound life lessons.
In addition to his writing, Dr. Miller was a dedicated educator and mentor, known for his passion for teaching and team building. He believed strongly in nurturing the next generation of healthcare providers and entrepreneurs.
A Man of Many Talents
Outside of medicine, Dr. Miller was a commercial pilot and an accomplished photographer. His curiosity and desire to see the world through multiple lenses—scientific, artistic, and spiritual—defined his approach to life.
He graduated from Wheaton College with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and Anthropology, which laid the foundation for his wide-ranging interests and future in medicine.
A Tragic Loss and a Call for Awareness
The circumstances of Dr. Miller’s death have sparked conversations around mental health, especially among healthcare professionals. Despite his towering accomplishments and the lives he changed, Dr. Miller’s death is a sobering reminder that even those who save lives can struggle in silence.
As we remember his immense contributions, we must also continue to advocate for mental health support for those in high-stress professions. No one is immune to emotional pain, and seeking help should never be stigmatized.
