1937
The Early Years
Alan B. Miller was born in Brooklyn, New York on August 17, 1937, to Manuel Miller and Mary Blumenthal. His father owned a dry cleaner store and his mother worked for a millinery company. As a youth, Miller enjoyed playing sports and was a Boy Scout.
As a young teen, Miller began working as a stock boy for the neighborhood grocery store; on weekends, he delivered telegrams by bicycle for Western Union.
Miller was both a good student and an accomplished athlete. As a senior in high school, his team was undefeated and won the New York City Championship. Having skipped a grade, Miller graduated from high school in 1954 at the age of 16.
Miller accepted a full basketball scholarship to the University of Utah. Miller transferred sophomore year on another basketball scholarship to The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. He is extremely proud of, and remains involved with, his alma mater.
1954
Graduate Education & Military Service
Miller was accepted to the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business, earning his Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 1960. He also joined the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) while in college. Upon graduation, Miller was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
After active duty, he served for six years in the 77th Infantry Division Reserves, and was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain.
Following his father’s unexpected passing in 1963, Miller needed to help his mother with finances. He joined Young & Rubicam in New York City, one of the world’s largest advertising agencies at the time. He was quickly promoted to become one of the agency’s youngest vice presidents.
1958
Making History in Florida
With the investment in a planned community, Wellington in Palm Beach County quickly grew. Miller’s entrepreneurial instincts led him to invest in building a brand new hospital. Today, Wellington Regional Medical Center is a premier medical center priding itself on its continued commitment to remain at the forefront of technology, serving the evolving needs of the community.
In 1995, UHS acquired Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton. Offering a variety of specialty services, Manatee Memorial contributes to the health of the community and boosts the local economy.
UHS expanded its presence on the Gulf Coast through the acquisition of land and construction of what would become Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, which opened in 2004. A major expansion was completed in 2026, including the addition of a new tower.
1986
Across the state of Florida, UHS has built a significant network of Behavioral Health facilities with a variety of specialties and programming to serve the mental health needs of our communities.
From Entrepreneurship to a Growing Network
At the age of 32, Miller was brought into the upper management of American Medicorp, a hospital management company, by a former business school roommate. He was named CEO in 1973, as the Board looked to stabilize the struggling company, which Miller accomplished. In 1978, the company was acquired in a hostile takeover by Humana.
1969
Numerous Personal and Company Accolades
Master Entrepreneur of the Year (1991)
from Ernst & Young and Merrill Lynch
Honored among 100 Outstanding CEOs (1995)
by Financial World magazine
Lifetime Achievement Award (1999)
from the Federation of American Hospitals
100 Most Influential People in Healthcare (2003-2019)
by Modern Healthcare
Since then, UHS has been perennially ranked on these lists, in addition to Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies.
Horatio Alger Award (2010)
bestowed by the Horatio Alger Association This award honors the achievements of outstanding leaders who have accomplished remarkable successes in spite of adversity. These remarkable individuals personify the American Dream and serve as role models for young people.
Healthcare CEO of the Year Innovation Award (2014)
from the Philadelphia Business Journal
Commemorating the Company’s 40th anniversary (2019)
Miller rang the Closing Bell at the New York Stock Exchange, the second time doing such since moving the stock listing to the NYSE in 1991.
Admiral Charles LeMoyne Distinguished Civilian Award (2019)
Presented by the Ben Franklin Global Forum at the Annual Army Navy Gala, in recognition of Miller’s leadership and accomplishments in providing superior behavioral healthcare to active-duty military, veterans and their families.
2021
Consistent with the long-standing succession plan, Alan B. Miller stepped aside as CEO, transitioning leadership of UHS to his son, Marc D. Miller.
As long-time residents of Palm Beach County, the Millers have strong ties to Florida.
2022
The theater on Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts was re-commemorated as the Miller Theater, in honor of Alan B. Miller, a founding board member of the Kimmel Center. His philanthropic contribution has enabled restorations and upgrades of the 104-year-old theater. He stepped down from the board in 2016.
2023
UHS held a celebratory groundbreaking ceremony and unveiled the architectural renderings and name of the new hospital:
2026
Following a commemorative ribbon-cutting ceremony in April, Alan B. Miller Medical Center opened in May 2026.
Scroll to View The Legacy
2018
The Alan B. Miller Theater at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia showcases George Washington’s War Tent, which served as his command center during the Revolutionary War. The iconic artifact is central to a multimedia theater experience. Miller is an avid reader and an American history maven.
2019
The Jill and Alan B. Miller Tower at the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House, the biggest expansion in its history, nearly tripled the number of rooms, accommodating more grateful families of children receiving medical treatment at nearby hospitals.
Miller has served as a trustee of the College of William & Mary Endowment Fund and is a life member of the College’s President’s Council. The school established the Alan B. Miller Center for Entrepreneurship in recognition of his extensive support and his business success.
The Center and the college’s School of Business are housed in the Alan B. Miller Hall, which opened in 2009 - home of a teaching philosophy rooted in active learning, collaboration, mentoring and teamwork.
2009
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A resilient businessman, Miller founded Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) in 1979. In the years that followed, he transformed the company from a start-up, with six employees and zero revenue, into a perennial Fortune 500 company that is among the nation’s most respected and largest hospital and healthcare services corporations.
Physicians mentioned in this publication are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Alan B. Miller Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. ©2026. All rights reserved.
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Alan B. Miller
“I was an entrepreneur intent on doing meaningful work and making a difference ...
Alan B. Miller’s legacy is marked by significant contributions to the healthcare industry and his commitment to entrepreneurship. His vision for UHS has transformed the company into a major player in the healthcare sector, providing integrated care delivery and a wide range of services.
“I wanted to create a company where patients would be taken care of like I would want my family treated.”
The Legacy
Personal Philanthropy
1979
The acquisition of Valley Hospital in 1979 marked UHS’ entry into the growing southern Nevada market, making Valley Hospital the longest-serving hospital across UHS’ national network.
UHS entered the behavioral health business with the acquisition of Qualicare, Inc in 1983
"Healthcare is personal – and it always will be.”
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