Received her M.D. from The University of Texas Medical School at Houston in 1986 and her M.P.H. degree in Health Services Organization from The University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston in 1979. She completed a clinical and anatomic pathology residency in 1991, during which time she served as Chief Resident in Pathology. Dr. Piller practiced pathology from 1991–1995.

Dr. Piller is Co-Investigator for ALLHAT, sponsored by the NHLBI. She directed the collection, review, and evaluation of endpoint and safety data for ALLHAT. She worked closely with the site physicians and coordinators, as well as the NHLBI Project Office, regarding study events and study drug issues. She previously served as Safety Officer and Medical Monitor of the Bristol-Myers Squibb-sponsored CARE clinical trial. In both trials she has participated in planning and operational activities, including participation in the steering and executive committees, Data Safety and Monitoring Board meetings, endpoints committees, operations committees, and editorial/publications committees.