Local man recovers from freak accident, graduates medical school

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- This weekend, a young man who made an incredible recovery from a devastating accident, will graduate from medical school.

These are busy days for Matt Miller.

Newly married to his high school sweetheart Emily Privette, the couple is finishing up medical school at the University of Pennsylvania and will graduate Sunday.

Next month, they begin medical residencies at the University of Virginia.

It's been a long road since 2008. That's when Miller was training for a triathlon in Virginia.

During a freak accident on his bike, he broke every bone in his face and suffered a severe brain injury.

His recovery inspired the book 'The Road Back - A Journey of Grace and Grit' by Inquirer reporter Michael Vitez.

"I continue to be extremely lucky," said Miller.

Nowadays, occasional dental problems are the only health reminders of his accident, though he does bring his message of second chances to others.

"I got to speak at Radnor High School graduation last June, and just a few days ago, I was at Children's Hospital here, visiting a patient," said Miller.

However his top priority is becoming a head and neck surgeon, to follow in the footsteps of the people who rebuilt his face.

"Automatically, I'm going to be able to relate to certain patients - what they're going through," said Miller.

Emily believes that will make him a great doctor.

"Whenever someone needs help, Matt will stop everything to help that person," she said.

Matt is still running and biking, but mostly for fitness now, not for competition.

However he does hope to do another Ironman Triathlon someday.