Blogs

AAIM Member Spotlight

Danny Sam, MD, FACP

Program Director, Internal Medicine and Director of GME, Kaiser Permanente, Santa Clara, CA
Associate Professor (Affiliate), Stanford University School of Medicine
Assistant Dean and Associate Professor (Affiliate), Boston University SOM-KP Silicon Valley Branch Campus
Assistant Professor (Adjunct), UC Davis School of Medicine

How long have you been a member of AAIM?

At least 16 years. I joined when I became Associate Program Director.

Describe your typical day.

As Director of Graduate Medical Education, I oversee all residency programs at Kaiser Santa Clara. This includes OB/GYN, IM, Podiatry, also affiliated programs at Stanford, Boston University, and UC Davis. I am also Program Director of the IM residency program. My job includes teaching, supervising, administration, program planning, and research.

I am also a member of curriculum committee of the new Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine in Pasadena, CA, which meets one to two times a month in Pasadena, CA, as well as weekly conference calls. It’s an exciting project as we are developing a unique, longitudinal, integrated curriculum, as well as preparing for the LCME accreditation visit. I am an Assistance Dean at Boston University Medical School, which has a branch campus at Kaiser Santa Clara and sends 16 medical students for a year to do their core clinical rotations.

My roles in both residency and medical school program director allows me to see the whole process in the evolution of a physician. It is a critical perspective when creating a smooth transition from UME to GME.

I also have a clinical practice as well my administrative duties as director of medical education at Kaiser.

What is your favorite part of the job?

The opportunity to be innovative in teaching. I love taking complex content and trying to make it something residents can easily understand. When I can see understanding take place: that is my favorite part of the job.

How has the AAIM membership been of value to you and your career?

I am honored to have been a member of the Alliance Program Planning Committee for six years. It has been a pleasure to work with phenomenal colleagues and to have an opportunity to present and plan relevant content in innovative ways to my peers in medical education. I also find opportunities to network and learn from my peer group and the Alliance as a whole but also from the Program Planning Committee to be of value.

What's your favorite moment of your career so far?

There are so many favorite moments…one that is bittersweet is graduation. I see residents become successful in starting their careers or go on to match into a fellowship.

What was your childhood dream job?

When I was very young I wanted to be a garbage man. I thought it was fascinating because they drove these big trucks with huge mechanical arms. Of course, my parents were horrified.

How do you spend your free time?

I spend my free time cleaning my son’s room, perhaps a holdover from my early fascination with trash collection. I also enjoy biking and enjoying outdoor activities with my family.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

My viral video. I love photography and capturing unusual moments. One moment I captured was of my sister-in-law’s puggle who followed us into a hot tub at her house. The dog decided to give himself a back massage against the jet and moans with pleasure! We posted the video on YouTube, which now has 2.6 million views. The video has over 21 million views on The Chive, was picked up on ABC News, and caught the eye of a hot tub manufacturer who now uses it in advertising. The proceeds we receive are donated to an animal shelter charity.