Having high-level surgical training coupled with my family background in medicine (my father started this practice and I work with my brother, Dr. Asaad Samra) gives me both the collective experience of the group and the modern skills to help patients. My educational background includes completing both a six-year residency in plastic and reconstructive surgery and a fellowship in hand and microsurgery at Yale University.

In addition to being a board-certified plastic surgeon, I am also board certified in hand surgery. I believe my proficiency in that specialty carries over into my work during post-Mohs reconstruction surgery. Performing surgery that involves bones, tendons, and blood vessels helps me when I work on other parts of the body, especially the face. I always have to think about the restoration of form and function when I’m handling the latter, like protecting an eyelid or nose, or perhaps preserving facial movements.

My goal is always to make post-Mohs reconstruction look as if the patient never had skin cancer in that location. I’m proud of all of my cases, but especially the complex ones that came out beautifully. For me, it’s all about how the patient feels. I want to make sure they are happy, feel whole again, and can put the entire experience in their rearview mirror and feel stronger for it. That has always been my primary goal.

In my spare time, I enjoy being out on the water and am an avid jet skier. I’m also a lover of pugs, and I remain a proud Jets fan.