SAMUEL WEEKS

A dedicated and resilient medical student, deeply committed to the field of General Surgery, driven by personal experiences and a passion for patient care. With a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and medical procedures, consistently demonstrating leadership, quick learning, and exceptional communication skills throughout the medical journey. Known for the ability to endure and overcome challenges, both in ultramarathons and the demanding environment of surgical practice, bringing a unique perspective to patient care, consistently striving for excellence and empathy. Work is characterized by a profound commitment to improving patient outcomes through both technical skill and compassionate care.

• USMLE Step 1, 05/31/2023 - PASS
• USMLE Step 2, 06/10/2024 - 257 /73rd percentile
• COMLEX Level 1, 06/02/2023 - PASS
• COMLEX Level 2, 06/12/2024 - 599 /78th percentile

Student Mentor , 01/2023 - Present

LUCOM - Lynchburg, VA

• Mentor to 3 LUCOM students, aiding in development of study and test-taking strategies, navigating courses, and networking
• Developed individualized learning plans for students to address their unique needs and goals, guiding them through their coursework and board preparations

Medical Trip , 06/12/2023 - 06/20/2023

LUCOM - Honduras

• Collaborated with an ENT physician, providing translation services and assisting with patient care
• Worked with primary care and women's health teams, performing physical exams, taking histories, and serving as the primary Spanish speaker for the trip
• Facilitated communication and collaboration among team members, ensuring efficient care delivery
• Provided care to underserved patients while overseeing and guiding the team's activities
• Guided fellow students in history-taking and physical exams, leveraging expertise in Spanish
• Shared knowledge on osteopathic manipulative medicine with the team and local practitioners
• Initiated and facilitated meaningful discussions with local physicians, promoting cultural exchange and mutual learning

Wing Commander , 06/2021 - 07/2021

COT - Maxwell Air Force Base, AL

• Responsible for directing and organizing meetings for the entire wing, coordinating with COT staff and leadership to plan and execute major wing activities and goals
• Distributed responsibilities, provided communication and leadership within the team

Quarter Master , 06/2021 - 07/2021

COT , Maxwell Air Force Base, AL

• Responsible for overseeing the acquisition, storage, distribution of supplies and equipment, ensuring that all logistical needs are met efficiently
• Sounded morning alarms for the Wing
• Managed inventory, maintained records, and coordinated with other departments to ensure that resources were available and properly allocated

Chemistry Tutor , 01/2019 - 01/2021

BYU - Provo, UT

• Offered personalized tutoring for General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry, courses identified by the university with high withdrawal, drop, and fail rates
• Tasks included reviewing homework, devising lesson plans, and offering test-taking guidance to enhance student academic achievement
• Strengthened students' problem-solving skills with tailored exercises and practice problems

Phage Hunters, 04/2018 - 05/2019 

BYU - Provo, UT 

• Participated in Dr. Breakwell and Dr. Grose's Microbiology research lab, known as the Phase Hunters group, where the team isolated phages, sequenced viral protein coat proteins, and presented findings at The American Society microbiology branch meeting. Involved in poster creation by assembling data through both lab experiments and gene analysis with the team and collaborating with others to draft and present the poster at the conference.

Host Range Analysis of Sinorhizobium Phages Reveals New Avenues for Studying Phage Receptor Binding

Intermountain ASM Branch Meeting - Provo, UT

• Cluff E, Abrams S, Allen C, Calder B, Carter O, Clarke T, Davies B, Doxey E, Eastley D, Hendricks MC, Merrill B, Miller P, O'Brien C, Ochsner R, Olsen H, Phillips H, Riddle A, Routsong J, Torgersen K, Wadsworth S, Weatherred M, Weeks S, Chamberlain JD, Ellis KJ, Hope S, Grose JH, Breakwell DP (2019) Host Range Analysis of Sinorizobium Phages Reveals New Avenues for Studying Phage Receptor Binding. Intermountain ASM Branch Meeting, Provo, UT.
• Olsen H, Weatherred M, Abrams S, Allen C, Calder B, Carter O, Clarke I, Cluff E, Davies B, Doxey E, Eastley D, Hendricks MC, Merrill B, Miller P, O'Brien C, Ochsner R, Phillips H, Riddle A, Routsong J, Torgersen K, Wadsworth S, Weeks S, Arens D, Chamberlain JD, Ellis KJ, Hope S, Grose JH, Breakwell DP (2019) Host Range Analysis of Sinorhizobium Phages Reveals New Avenues for Studying Phage Receptor Binding. Intermountain ASM Branch Meeting, Provo, UT.

Case Report | Gastric Lipoma 9x6x6 cm Causing GERD (Future Publication)

Expected Publication Date: April 2025

• Collaborating with Dr. Thomas Irons on a case report detailing the diagnosis and treatment of a large gastric lipoma
• Conducted a comprehensive review of the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and diagnostic imaging
• Analyzed the lipoma’s impact on gastrointestinal function, particularly its role in causing GERD
• Currently drafting the manuscript for submission to American College of Surgeons Case Reviews
• Aiming to enhance understanding and management of rare gastric tumors through this publication

• Narcan, 2023
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support, 2023
• Basic Life Support, 2023
• Certified Nursing Assistant, 2018 - 2019

• Enjoying quality time with my wife and our three kids
• Ultra Marathon Running (Bears Ears Ultra Marathon, Zion's Ultra Marathon, Richmond Ragnar, St. George Ragnar etc.)
• Strength Training
• Soccer
• Hiking, Canoeing, and Camping