Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Adult Cardiac
Member Since: 2003
Biography:
Dr. Samuels was born and raised in New York, matriculating at the University of Rochester where he received his Undergraduate degree in Biology and Anthropology. He moved to Philadelphia in 1983 to attend the Hahnemann University School of Medicine. Dr. Samuels completed his General Surgery and Cardiothoracic Surgery Residencies at Hahnemann Hospital and in 1995 joined their faculty in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery. Dr. Samuels was appointed Director of Cardiac Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support in 1999 and served as the CT Surgery residency Co-Director. In 2001 he and his team performed the worlds fifth totally implantable electric artificial heart, the AbioCor. In addition, Dr. Samuels clinical research helped define the criteria for initiation of Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) support for acute cardiogenic shock utilizing an inotropic support threshold. In 2003 Dr. Samuels joined the Main Line Health System and established a heart transplant and Mechanical Circulatory Support program at Lankenau Medical Center. In 2016, Dr. Samuels returned to Center City Philadelphia where he became Professor of Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University. In addition to his expertise in mechanical circulatory support technology, Dr. Samuels has also distinguished himself in the field of beating-heart coronary artery bypass grafting for the surgical treatment of coronary artery disease. At present, Dr. Samuels is the Chief of Cardiac Surgery for the Jefferson-Einstein Medical Center in North Philadelphia. Dr. Samuels has participated in several clinical trials, published numerous manuscripts, and presented his research nationally and internationally.
What Does the AATS Mean to You:
Premier society representing the field of Cardiothoracic Surgery
My First Experience with AATS:
I recall my name being submitted for membership and wondering if I was worthy of being accepted. I recall how proud I felt upon receiving the news of acceptance and standing with my peers at the meeting when new members were recognized. It was a moment I'll never forget.
Why I became an AATS member:
To me, the AATS represents the most prestigious society in Cardiothoracic Surgery, its representative members contributing meaningfully to the field. I wanted to be included in that group and participated in research studies and teaching to enhance the field.
The most impactful presentation I have seen at an AATS meeting:
The initial results of TAVR
The first presentation I gave is:
Traumatic Aorto-Right Ventricular Fistula-- A case report and literature review. I presented this at the Pennsylvania Association for Thoracic Surgery (PATS), now known as the Eastern Cardiothoracic Surgery Society (ECTSS).
The first paper I had published is:
Role of bone scanning in the setting of acute trauma. Published in the Panamerican Journal of Trauma 1992;3(2):110-113.
I plan on becoming more involved in the organization through:
Participate in committees.
My First Experience with AATS:
I recall my name being submitted for membership and wondering if I was worthy of being accepted. I recall how proud I felt upon receiving the news of acceptance and standing with my peers at the meeting when new members were recognized. It was a moment I'll never forget."
My career in CT Surgery was inspired by:
As a medical student, it was my intent to become a family physician in the footsteps of my father. That all changed when I rotated on the surgical service and was fortunate enough to be assigned to Cardiac Surgery for two weeks. Once I saw an open-heart procedure, I never looked back.
A significant case/patient interaction that impacted my career is:
The implantation of the 5th Abiocor total artificial heart was an experience with so many layers of interest: new technology, uncertainties clinically and otherwise, pre-implant preparation, collaboration with like-minded colleagues nationally and internationally, and the surreal interaction between myself and another human with a mechanical heart.
The biggest impact my mentor had on my career is:
The chairman of CT Surgery during my residency, Dr. Stanley Brockman, taught me discipline, attention to detail, and much more. He single-handedly improved my skills and life to levels I never even imagined.
The topic most important to advancing the field of CT Surgery is:
Continuation of technological evolution to maximize outcomes and minimize risk in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. I believe artificial intelligence will help us in this pursuit along with other unforeseen advances.
The most pressing issues impacting CT surgery are:
The challenges in training new surgeons.
Advice for Trainees:
Challenge yourself, do not be complacent, work hard.