Abacoa & Alton Neighbors - October 2025

8 A B A C O A & A LT O N N E I G H B O R S | O C T O B E R 2 0 2 5 equestrian events during the Olympics,” Dr. Sama recalled. “It gave me the opportunity to learn more about that sport in particular, especially because I was in the Wellington area at that time.” Athletes, he says, are unique patients. “They’re fun to take care of because they want to get better. They become engaged in their own health care and recovery. That’s the best thing a doctor can ask for, when the patient becomes part of the medical team.” Orthopedic trauma is a subspecialty many outside of medicine know little about, and Dr. Sama is passionate about educating patients and the public. “Most folks know that if they need help with their spine, they go to a spine specialist. If they need a hip replacement, they go to a hip surgeon,” he explained. “But very few people know the subspecialty of orthopedic trauma. It’s basically the care of patients with broken bones or dislocated joints. It could be a trip and fall down the stairs, or it could be a catastrophic car accident, or a fall from a horse. Whatever the cause, if the end result is a broken bone, there are specialists dedicated to treating those injuries.” From collarbones and wrists to hips, knees, ankles, and feet, Dr. Sama treats it all. “We are capable of taking care of the whole body as it relates to broken bones,” he said Asked what leadership means in his field, Dr. Sama doesn’t hesitate. “As a medical leader, the first thing you have to do is identify a need—what is lacking in the community? Then, you figure out how to provide for that need in a way that’s accessible and affordable. And finally, you have to be able to go back, analyze what you’ve done, and make adjustments. You amplify what’s working and make changes to what is not working. That process, he says, requires humility and focus. “Everything I do is about the patient. The patient is always at the center of my thought process. That means patient satisfaction in the entire journey Dr. Nicholas Sama’s story is one of relentless commitment to excellence in medicine and compassion for patients. From equestrian arenas to emergency rooms, he has built his career on a foundation of skill, humility, and leadership. “At the end of the day, it’s about making the experience better for the patient and their family. That’s what drives me.”