Samantha Gaines, MD, MPH
Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern. California
Sam grew up in northern New Jersey, where her early experiences as an EMT during her senior year of high school sparked an interest in medicine. She went on to attend Middlebury College in Vermont, where she studied biology.
Sam grew up in northern New Jersey, where her early experiences as an EMT during her senior year of high school sparked an interest in medicine. She went on to attend Middlebury College in Vermont, where she studied biology.
After college, Sam spent three years in New York City working in a translational research lab, an experience that deepened her curiosity about the scientific foundations of medicine while reinforcing her desire to return to patient care, especially as the lab was impacted by COVID. She then moved to Los Angeles to attend the Keck School of Medicine of USC, where she trained at Los Angeles General Medical Center and cared for a diverse and medically complex patient population.
During medical school, Sam also pursued an MPH, strengthening her focus on community health and the broader factors that shape access to care. She became involved in research and advocacy centered on health equity, with additional interests in reproductive health.
Sam is drawn to family medicine for its breadth and continuity, and she is excited to train at Sutter Santa Rosa, where the program’s strong clinical training, emphasis on full-spectrum care, and deep connection to the community align with her goals as a future physician.
Outside of medicine, Sam enjoys playing tennis, running, cycling, knitting, and spending time outdoors with her miniature wire-haired dachshund, Libby, who prefers to be carried in a backpack.
During medical school, Sam also pursued an MPH, strengthening her focus on community health and the broader factors that shape access to care. She became involved in research and advocacy centered on health equity, with additional interests in reproductive health.
Sam is drawn to family medicine for its breadth and continuity, and she is excited to train at Sutter Santa Rosa, where the program’s strong clinical training, emphasis on full-spectrum care, and deep connection to the community align with her goals as a future physician.
Outside of medicine, Sam enjoys playing tennis, running, cycling, knitting, and spending time outdoors with her miniature wire-haired dachshund, Libby, who prefers to be carried in a backpack.