Provider Profile: Dr. Ashley Miller

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Dr. Ashley Miller
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Dr. Ashley Miller, a orthopaedic surgeon with Berkshire Orthopaedic Associates, wants patients to know the importance of bone health as October is a month to celebrate World Osteoporosis Day. 
 
Berkshire Medical Center has received national Star Performer recognition from the American Orthopaedic Association's Own the Bone program for seven years straight, partnering with Berkshire Orthopaedic Associates, where Dr. Miller practices along with several other outstanding providers.
 
"I prefer to connect with patients on a humanistic level, which gets at the very core of medicine," he said. "My goal is helping patients achieve a degree of functionality that is better than what they had before care, so that they can lead healthier and pain-free lives."
 
To that end, Dr. Miller describes himself as a generalist in the area of orthopaedics, who enjoys fixing fractures the most. But like many surgeons, Dr. Miller said procedures that make an immediate difference on an individual's quality of life are particularly gratifying.
 
"Restoring someone's mobility or functionality is really an awesome experience," he said. "Maybe it's because I'm such an active person myself."
 
Berkshire Medical Center is one of more than 275 health-care institutions nationwide that has taken initiative to ensure its osteoporotic fracture patients receive the highest quality care by implementing the American Orthopaedic Association's (AOA) Own the Bone program. The program is aimed to better identify, evaluate, and treat patients that suffer from an osteoporosis or low bone density-related fracture. The program brings attention to the severe health implications of fragility fractures (broken bones that result from a fall from standing height or less) and the multifaceted approach hospitals or clinics can incorporate to ensure these patients receive the most comprehensive care.
 
Star Performer designation is reserved only for institutions that have achieved a 75 percent compliance rate with at least five of the 10 Own the Bone prevention measures. Berkshire Orthopaedic Associates has achieved between 98 and 100 percent compliance on all 10 measures, based on data from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022.
 
Dr. Miller earned his medical degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine and completed his orthopaedic surgical residency at the University of Cincinnati.
 
Having grown up in Vermont, among its scenic terrain, Dr. Miller's move to the Berkshires was in part so that he could be surrounded by mountains once again, and is reveling in the many opportunities for trail running, mountain biking, skiing, and hiking with his dog.
 
For an appointment with Dr. Miller or one of his colleagues, call Berkshire Orthopaedic Associates at 413-499-6600.




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Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

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