A Family of ‘Canes
Dr. Andrew Sama’s son, Michael, continues a family tradition as a member of the Miller School’s Class of 2029.
The Miller School of Medicine often sees many family members of alumni don their white coats for the first time, following in their loved one’s footsteps. By all measures, it is no different for Andrew A. Sama, M.D. ’95, University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital residency ’00. The triple ‘Cane wo recently pinned his son, Michael Lucian Sama, an M.D. candidate in the Class of 2029, at this year’s Miller School White Coat and Pinning Ceremony.
However, the Sama connection to UM doesn’t end there. Michael Sama is one in a long line of family members to attend the university or the Miller School.
The connection to the Miller School started with Dr. Andrew A. Sama, a renowned orthopedic spine surgeon. He was followed by his younger brother, Nicholas Sama, M.D. ’99, who also went down the orthopedic trauma surgery route.
When you go to a special place like the University of Miami, it’s up to you to create the opportunities and experiences you want.
Dr. Andrew Sama
Dr. Sama’s eldest son, Andrew J. Sama, M.B.A. ’22, M.D. ’23, graduated from the Miller School with a dual degree. Sebastian Sama graduated from the UM in 2020 with a degree in economics. Finally, the family’s youngest son, William Sama, is currently doing his undergraduate work at UM.
“I would like to think that my experience at UM influenced their decision, but I also think the school has grown,” Dr. Andrew Sama said. “The Miller School of Medicine is a school with great programs, it’s very competitive and it’s easy to get excited about the University of Miami. Great weather, a beautiful campus and great athletics. It builds on itself, so I can’t take all the credit for their decision.”
Although Dr. Sama isn’t fully convinced that his children chose UM due to his experiences, there’s no doubting his passion for the medical school. Dr. Sama and his wife, Liza, established the Sama Family Research Award in the Miller School’s Department of Orthopaedics. The initiative created an annual research competition open to students and residents. Participants present their abstracts to a panel of judges. The top three winners receive cash prizes. Additionally, Dr. Sama serves on the Dean’s Council, has stayed in contact with many of his classmates and with members of the school’s orthopaedic surgery program and is scheduled to serve as the 2026 Silverman Visiting Professor in Orthopedic Surgery in February.
To Dr. Sama, these bonds are one of the many opportunities that he hopes Michael takes advantage of during his time at the Miller School of Medicine.
“I tell my children no one owes them anything in this world. When you go to a special place like the University of Miami, it’s up to you to create the opportunities and experiences you want,” Dr. Sama said. “No one is going to hand you success. You must work for it and earn it yourself.”
Additional Legacy Pinners
• Navin Balaji, M.D. ’25: Nandita Balaji
• Zhihong Guo, M.D. ’16: Erika Guo
• Jonathan Jagid, M.D. ’01: Nikki Jagid
• Timothy Mark, M.D. ’00: Isabella Mark
• Armando Pancorbo, M.D. ’20: Matthew Pancorbo
• Mark Gladwin, M.D. ’91: Brendan Gladwin
• David Levi, M.D. ’92, Joe Levi, M.D. ’73: Rachel Levi
• Shazia Zafar, M.D. ’08: Alyan Zafar
• Barbara Knoll, M.D. ’97: Sophia Isabella Jaguan
• Carin Carroll, M.D. ’25: Britta Caroll
• Franscisco Baigorri, M.D. ’00 – Julio Baigorri Kenneth R. & Judith Ratzan, M.D.
Tags: alumni, Department of Orthopaedics, John G. Clarkson White Coat and Pinning Ceremony, medical alumni, medical students, philanthropy, white coat ceremony