Samantha B Ong, PA-C

Samantha Ong, PA-C was born in the Philippines and immigrated to the United States at age nine. During her college years, she spent much of her time volunteering in various community settings as she explored where she felt most fulfilled. “I consistently found myself drawn to caring for people in a medical environment,” she says. “During a mission trip, I shadowed a physician assistant who worked in an underserved community clinic on Skid Row. Watching the impact she had on her patients inspired me to pursue the PA profession.”

In PA school, Samantha discovered cardiothoracic surgery and quickly realized how much she enjoyed the hands-on nature of the specialty. “It was one of the most engaging and technically challenging fields I encountered, and I knew I wanted to be part of a team that makes immediate, life-changing differences for patients.”

Samantha shares that the most fulfilling part of her work is witnessing patients recover after major heart surgery. 

“Seeing someone go from incredibly sick to walking out of the hospital with a renewed sense of life is incredibly hopeful and rewarding. Recovery can be long and challenging, but being able to watch patients progress from being oxygen-dependent to moving around without even needing a walker is why I love what I do.”

As a medical professional, Samantha believes in treating the whole patient. “I want my patients to know that I don’t take shortcuts when it comes to their care. Providing the safest, most thoughtful treatment is always my priority. I’m committed to taking the time they need, doing things the right way, and making sure they feel supported throughout their entire recovery.”

Outside of medicine, Samantha enjoys staying active through pickleball, volleyball, and basketball—“very casually, since my skills are definitely average at best,” she jokes. She also loves word games, especially the daily New York Times Wordle, and often ends her day with dinner while watching an episode of Wheel of Fortune.