Stormont Vail Health welcomes Samara Lewis, M.D., to the General Surgery team in Topeka

Stormont Vail Health proudly welcomes Dr. Samara Lewis, a general surgeon, to the Stormont Vail Surgical Care team. Dr. Lewis will provide elective surgery at the Cotton O’Neil Mulvane Clinic and coverage for surgeries needed through the Emergency Department and trauma activations at the Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka.

Dr. Lewis’s exposure to medicine started with her mother and grandmothers, who were all nurses. In high school, Dr. Lewis’s mother encouraged her to shadow at her local hospital to see if she’d enjoy it. Many medical professionals start exploring the medical field in high school healthcare career pathways. However, only some have an opportunity to help save lives in their program.

During Dr. Lewis’s first 24-hour shift, a tornado struck Amarillo, Texas, her hometown, unexpectedly throwing her into action to help care for victims. After this experience, she never looked back.

“When people are in the middle of a crisis and need help, you get to be that hand that they get to hold,” Dr. Lewis said. “That’s why I do this. I love the science and the surgery part, but you get to be there and help people. It’s immediately gratifying.”

While pursuing her medical degree at the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, Dr. Lewis’s training emphasized the importance of culturally competent care. This program and her general surgery residency at Oklahoma University Health Science Center have prepared her to serve increasingly diverse communities.

Dr. Lewis is eager to make a meaningful difference through her work, which includes emergency and elective surgeries and supporting the Trauma Services team with acute surgical needs.

“I’m invested, excited, and love what I do. I went into medicine to make a difference in someone’s life and have a relationship with my patients moving forward.”