A native of San Francisco, Dr. Sams completed a B.S. degree with honors from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1984. He graduated from veterinary school at UC Davis in 1989. Dr. Sams' internship and surgery residency were at Texas A&M University and Cornell University respectively. While at Cornell completing his residency, he earned a Masters degree studying biological ways to resurface damaged joints. After completing his surgery residency, Dr. Sams spent time training in Australia, specializing in small animal orthopaedics.

In 1994, Dr. Sams received specialty certification by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and the following year was hired by the Animal Medical Center in New York—where he was chief of an orthopaedic and neurosurgical service and launched a canine arthroscopy program. Arthroscopy is a procedure that relies on viewing the inside of a joint with a very small telescope. This medical technology permits evaluating and treating various types of joint disease without having to surgically open the joint. Dr. Sams has lectured and taught arthroscopy in the U.S. and abroad and has been performing Small animal arthroscopy for nine years.

Dr. Sams is also very active in utilizing the TPLO for repair of cruciate ligament tears. He has lectured on TPLO here and overseas, and taught the first TPLO course in Japan.

Dr. Sams provides all aspects of orthopaedic care with an emphasis on utilizing the least invasive approach with the best result for your pet.