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Afshin Sam,

M.D., M.Sc.

Pulmonologist

5 (71 Ratings)
Biography photo
Location
City of Hope Duarte
1500 East Duarte Road
Duarte, CA 91010
Specialties
Pulmonology
Education
Medical school:

2004, Master of Sciences, City University of London, London, United Kingdom

Residency:

2009, Chief Resident, Internal Medicine, Saint Mary’s Hospital/Yale University School of Medicine Affiliate, Waterbury, Connecticut

Academic Appointments
  • Associate Clinical Professor, Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine
About Me

As an interventional pulmonologist at City of Hope® Cancer Center Duarte, Ashfin Sam, MD, MSc, remains committed to delivering the most advanced, evidence-based care while tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs and values of each patient and their family. He works with patients who are experiencing lung or breathing problems associated with cancer or cancer treatment. Dr. Sam was inspired to become a physician by the compassionate doctors who made a difference in his community when he was a child. 

Dr. Sam earned his medical degree from Iran University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, followed by a master’s degree in medical informatics from City University of London. He completed his internal medicine residency at Saint Mary’s Hospital, a Yale School of Medicine affiliate, where he also served as chief resident. He then pursued a fellowship in pulmonary and critical care at the University of Arizona, where he later became an assistant professor. Dr. Sam completed specialized training in interventional pulmonology at the same institution and achieved board certification in this field in 2014. At the University of Arizona Cancer Center, he cared for patients with hematologic and oncologic diseases and played an active role in the thoracic oncology program before being promoted to Associate Professor of Medicine in 2019. 

Originally from Iran, Dr. Sam is fluent in Farsi and maintains strong connections with Los Angeles’ Iranian community. In his free time, he enjoys playing sports with friends and spending time with his family.

Patient reviews
The patient ratings and comments on this page are obtained from an external Press Ganey® outpatient survey provided to all eligible City of Hope patients within one to two weeks of their treatment occurrence. Raw data from the answers to the survey questions about our physicians are calculated by Press Ganey into a one- to five- star rating. In the spirit of transparency, all patient comments are posted as written by the patient, whether they are positive or negative. We only exclude comments if they are deemed to be slanderous or libelous, contain profanity or vulgar language, or do not relate to the patient's experience with the doctor involved. As a result, the comments are the views and opinions of the patients surveyed and are not endorsed by, and may not necessarily reflect the opinion of, City of Hope.
Jun 13, 2026
5.0
"Dr Sam is a very warm, compassionate, and empathetic dr. It is obvious he cares for the welfare of his patients. A very good listener and makes you feel at ease and trust in what he has to say and advise."
Jun 7, 2026
5.0
"This was my 1st visit with Dr Sam. He is a kind soul who could see/feel my fear and worry. His experience was evident in the way he spoke and explained to me how he wanted to proceed. His words gave us hope."
May 29, 2026
5.0
"Dr Sam is great! I've consulted with him previously and he performed a biopsy on me in the past."
May 22, 2026
5.0
"Dr. Sam is fantastic"
May 22, 2026
5.0
"The best staff in the medical field"
May 16, 2026
5.0
"Everyone is kind and caring"
May 16, 2026
5.0
"Wonderful caring staff"
Apr 24, 2026
5.0
"What I want to say is that everything was explained and to me. I wasn't rushed Dr. Sam explained everything in detail took his time"
Jan 10, 2026
5.0
"Excellent"
Jan 10, 2026
5.0
"Excellent"
Jan 8, 2026
5.0
"Always a good experience"
Nov 7, 2025
5.0
"I would recommend you guys to my friends and family members."
Oct 25, 2025
5.0
"Excellent"
Sep 28, 2025
5.0
"I was not informed about the Side effects of the treatment"
Sep 28, 2025
5.0
"Very detailed discussion and explained answers to all questions."