Born in New Zealand, Sam graduated from the Otago University Medical School and the Royal Australasian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, training as a Registrar at Wellington, Tauranga, Palmerston North and Lower Hutt hospitals.

He completed an Advanced Training Module in hysteroscopic and laparoscopic surgery, gaining the specialist skills he uses in his gynaecological and obstetrics practice.

Motivated by his intention to improve patient fertility and positive, healthy experiences during pregnancy and birth, Sam regularly publishes the results of his research programmes as well as focussing his teaching on these areas. By studying possible causes and treatments for infertility, Sam has found solutions that allow infertile couples to achieve successful pregnancies, successes he finds deeply satisfying.

By monitoring the health of his pregnant patients, Sam can diagnose and prevent problems that could endanger their pregnancy, perhaps become life-threating, if not treated immediately. Luckily, these are rare occurrences, and Sam takes enormous pleasure in seeing a couple experience the joy of holding their baby after a safe delivery.

One of the most satisfying parts of his practice is listening to a patient’s story, within the context of her family’s circumstances and lifestyle, and collaborating with her on a treatment plan that focuses on achieving the goals that are important to her and her family. He promises thorough, empathetic and sensitive care that centres on his patient, with none of the patronising attitude of days gone by.

His dedication to his practice and patients is balanced by his commitment to his beloved family. His wonderful wife and three young children keep him grounded in the real world. He looks forward to coming home to intelligent conversations with his wife on general and international topics, and noisy family play with the children. As often as possible the family pursues outdoor activities; on wet days they swim in the rain, coming home for rowdy games of monopoly. Sam is an enthusiastic distance runner, surfer, squash and tennis player. As Sam's wife is Peruvian, the family speaks both Spanish and English at home, and they enjoy spending time with her family in Peru.