Dr. Werner Samson, clinical professor emeritus (Cardiology) passed away on May 4, just one day before his 98th birthday. Samson joined the fourth class of the University of Washington School of Medicine, graduating with honors in 1953, and was the first student cardiology fellow under Dr. Robert Bruce, who was the first chief of cardiology at the University of Washington. As a fellow, he performed the first heart catheterization at the UW Hospital.
A steadfast champion for incoming student applicants, Samson served for over 30 years as assistant dean and then associate dean for admissions in the UW School of Medicine.
As a way to continue the tradition of helping students receive a medical education, he and his wife Joan established the Joan and Werner Samson Endowed Scholarship in 2008. In 2016 they established the Werner E. and Joan Samson Endowed Faculty Fellowship in Cardiology, to help recruit, retain, and provide opportunities for professional development for faculty in the Division of Cardiology.
In recognition of his many outstanding contributions to the academic missions of the Department of Medicine, he was appointed clinical professor emeritus in January 2016.
His family requests donations be made in his memory to the Medic One Foundation or to one of the two funds he endowed at UW: The Joan and Werner Samson Endowed Scholarship Fund or the Werner E. Samson Endowed Professorship in Cardiology.
Learn more about his life and career on our news site.