​In the 1800s, doctors were usually general practitioners who traveled to patients’ homes with minimal tools, relying on observation, bloodletting, and herbal remedies. Doctors in this era were multifaced, treating everything from broken bones to fevers, and often acting as a surgeons and pharmacists. Medical education was moving from apprenticeships to formal schools, and while doctors were highly respected, they often struggled with ineffective treatments. Later in the century, pioneers like Joseph Lister introduced antiseptics, revolutionizing surgery and improving patient care.​

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Before the late 19th century, doctors often wore formal black clothing, reflecting the seriousness of their work and perhaps because they frequently dealt with the dying. Back then, being a doctor wasn’t as closely tied to science as it is today—a medical degree was relatively easy to obtain, and patent medicine scams were widespread. By the mid‑19th century, the idea that germs caused disease was gaining traction, marking a new era in medicine. By the end of the 1800s, white lab coats appeared as a symbol of cleanliness, scientific precision, and saving lives. Surgeons began wearing them in the late 1800s, followed by other hospital doctors, and eventually the trend reached private practices. The white coat became an easy way to identify doctors practicing science‑based medicine, setting them apart from snake‑oil salesmen. By 1915, not long after major reforms in American medical schools and new federal regulations on drug claims, the white coat had become the standard doctor’s uniform. Today, in the 21st century, the white coat is not as common as it was in the 20th century.

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During the early 1800s into the early 1900s was a time of both medical marvels and mishaps, where healthcare was a mix of science and superstition. Despite these challenges, the passion for healing drove many of the historic doctors, who provided healthcare for the early settlers of Miller County. 

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The following is a list of doctors who once offered their services in the county. Doctors marked with an asterisk (*) are still practicing in 2026 but no longer have practices in Miller County.​​

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