Author and retired cardiovascular perfusionist, Shelby Maverick Miller believes there’s still time to follow what matters to you.
A life in medicine. A voice in stories.
A belief that there is always more ahead.
AUTHOR / SPEAKER / LIFELONG LEARNER
Shelby was six when an explosion left her with severe burns. She spent six months recovering at Brooke Army Medical Center. Going home brought new challenges, including bullying at school. With support from her family, she found her footing in the pool, around horses, and eventually in work she cared deeply about.
“Be the best you can be and know it is all right there in you—your thoughts, and who you are meant to be.”
Shelby’s life has taken her from swimming lanes and rodeo arenas to the operating room and the writing desk. Each has its own story.
Trips to the pool with her father started as rehabilitation and grew into a love of competitive swimming.
Working with horses and competing in barrel races gave Shelby confidence during her teenage years.
As a cardiovascular perfusionist, she became part of the team caring for patients during heart surgery.
The wish to write a book stayed with her for years. Eventually, she made it happen.
These experiences are all part of Shelby, but none tells the whole story. She is still writing, learning, and looking forward to what comes next.
A little time outdoors, a moment at home with Tucker, a favorite drive. Here are a few of Shelby’s personal photographs.
A moment outdoors.
At home with Tucker.
Behind the wheel.
Medicine was part of Shelby’s life long before it became her career. As a cardiovascular perfusionist, she worked alongside the heart-surgery team, operating the equipment that supports a patient’s circulation during surgery.
It was careful, demanding work, with a person at the center of every decision. This part of her life matters to Shelby, and these photographs offer a look at the professional world she knew firsthand.
The equipment was complex. The responsibility was personal: helping the team care for someone who depended on them.
In this upcoming book, Shelby will share a closer look at the profession she knows so well, helping readers understand the work behind the equipment.
In Development
Medicine, science, faith, and friendship have all given Shelby something to think about. Writing gives her room to explore those questions and share them with readers.
Shelby’s young adult novel brings together medicine, science, friendship, and questions of faith. Her own experience of survival informs the story’s sense of courage and hope.
A republished edition is on the way. The cover shown is from the existing edition; updated details and buying links will be shared when the new edition is ready.
What does a perfusionist do? Shelby’s upcoming nonfiction book will introduce readers to this often-unfamiliar profession through her own experience in cardiovascular perfusion.
This book is still in development. The final cover, description, and release details will be shared here when they are ready.
An upcoming America Inspire Magazine feature will look at Shelby’s childhood, her connection to medicine, and the long-held dream of writing a book.
The feature link will be added after its official release.
As new interviews, reader responses, and events become available, you’ll find them here.
A place for readers to share what stayed with them after the last page. Reviews will be added when available.
Listen to Shelby talk about her life and writing. Interview and podcast links will be added as they become available.
Details of speaking appearances will be shared here once they are confirmed.
A dream doesn’t have to happen on anyone else’s schedule. Shelby’s story is a reminder to keep room in your life for the things you still want to try.
Have a question about her books, an interview idea, or a story you’d like to share? Send a note using the form below.
Shelby welcomes reader letters as well as publishing and professional inquiries. Her mailing address will be added here once it is confirmed.
Mailing address coming soon.
Please keep original manuscripts and irreplaceable items safe at home. Avoid including private medical information or sending anything that needs to be returned.