Abacoa & Alton Neighbors - October 2025

OCT O B E R 2 0 2 5 | A B A C O A & A LT O N N E I G H B O R S 7 COVER FEATURE W hen people suffer life-changing injuries, whether from a motor vehicle accident, a fall, or a catastrophic sports mishap, Dr. Nicholas Sama is often the one who helps put them back together. As a fellowship-trained orthopedic trauma surgeon and a leader at HSS Florida, Dr. Sama has built a career at the intersection of technical mastery, patient-centered care, and community engagement. “I think what makes HSS unique is that we are 100% devoted to the musculoskeletal system— the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage,” said Dr. Sama, co-medical director at HSS Florida in West Palm Beach. ”It is also important to note that everything we do for patients is evidence-based. It is evaluated and reevaluated to determine what is going to provide the best experience, with or without surgery. The end result is enhanced quality of life and functionality, so our patients can get back to what they need and love to do.” Hospital for Special Surgery has been ranked the nation’s top hospital for orthopedics by U.S. News & World Report for 16 years running, and Dr. Sama stresses that HSS Florida delivers that same standard of care. “It’s not just a shingle on the wall,” he explained. “You’re getting the same quality, the same patient experience, and ultimately the same outcomes you’d get in New York at the main campus. We are an extension of the same folks who have been recognized as number one.” That commitment is measured, along with outcomes. “We welcome the fact that outcomes are tracked and compared,” he added. “That’s how you judge yourself, that’s how you measure yourself, and that’s the most important thing. Consumers are getting smarter. If they do their research, they know the best of the best, and I think that’s great.” Dr. Sama sees patients across the spectrum: adolescents with injuries, older adults with arthritis, weekend warriors, and elite athletes. “We really have a big community,” he said. “Obviously, the nearest community is in our zip codes, but we have people who come see us from all over the country and even internationally.” Seeing patients at the main HSS location in West Palm Beach and at a satellite office in Wellington, he has become known as “the unofficial doctor for equestrian athletes around the country.” After treating one high-level equestrian nearly 20 years ago, word spread. “That one patient led to 10 patients, led to several more patients, many of whom were involved in the Dr. Nicholas Sama ORTHOPEDIC TRAUMA SURGEON - HSS FLORIDA – By Dan Hauser – - Photos by Neil Cohen Photography - PROFILES OF LEADERSHIP