Samy truly is the man! We were lucky enough to snag him up from Hahnemann’s closure. He is a toxicology whiz, loved by all, hard-working, clinically excellent, and admirable. Samy steps up for our residency when help is needed, always putting others before himself. He has also been dubbed our residency funny man…if you are wise enough to be in Samy’s proximity, you are destined to hear some quiet but hard-hitting punch lines. We are lucky to work with and learn from him daily!

We know you had a different path to thankfully end up here with us at OHSU. What's something you learned on your journey?

Honestly to just keep on keepin' on. Enjoy the places you're in and the people you're with while it lasts because your world can truly get rocked at any moment. I also learned that it is always possible to turn a bad situation into a great life experience.

What do you always make sure you have with you on shift?

Something Colorado-y like my CO badge holder, or CU scrub cap... EMRA abx guide.

What is your favorite off-service rotation at OHSU? What is your favorite ED site within OHSU EM residency?

Favorite off-service rotation was probably the Trauma ICU, the night shift weeks were a good ol' time. And of course Tox, I found it oddly fun to think about cool stuff all day. ED site is probably St. V's. I grew a lot there and I love that we're encouraged to pick and choose cases we want more exposure to, and I get to do more there in terms of procedures.

Everyone knows you as the guy that will help with anything at any moment. Is there anything you won't volunteer to help with?

I generally won't offer to help with poop related stuff. I'll also never volunteer to vacuum due to an old childhood fear.

What's your favorite post-shift treat?

On the remote chance I leave work at a decent hour, it's a great end of the day when I can make it in time to grab a boba.

What toxicologic exposure most fascinates you?

Well in general venom fascinates me. That would be cool if one day I was well known as "the venom guy", venom has so many insane properties, its potential is limitless. You know captopril, the first ACE inhibitor, was made from snake venom? It's nothing but an analog of the ACE-inhibiting peptide in the venom of bothrops jararaca.

Which most intimidates you?

Hydrofluoric acid, that stuff is cray. A 1% TBSA splash can be fatal...

Which would you choose to be exposed to, if forced?

Oh man that's an interesting question. I might be exposed to all the elicit substances in a controlled setting to see what some of our patient's experience. Or I'd get curare poisoning if someone’d be there to intubate me.

Who is the person you'd most like to go on leisurely swim with in history?

It's a toss up between George Washington, Emma Watson, or Michael Phelps. Who is the last person? Tom Brady