Dr. Samuel Kobba embarked on his illustrious medical journey at the University of Bonn Medical School in 2001, where he laid the foundation for a career that would span various aspects of the medical field, especially in research and radiology. His academic pursuit in medicine was rigorous and comprehensive, culminating in 2006 when he was on the cusp of completing his medical degree, pending his final exams. However, his passion for research led him to the University of Califonia, Davis, where he undertook a doctorate thesis at the Genome and Biomedical Sciences Facility under the expert guidance of Professor Knowlton. During this period, Dr. Kobba delved into the intricate process of isolating cardiac myocytes—a procedure that demanded nearly six hours of meticulous work, followed by a series of experiments utilizing heat shock factor and TNF. These experiments employed cutting-edge techniques such as Western blot and ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), both of which are paramount in the separation, identification, and detection of proteins and antigens in biological samples, through highly specific antibody-antigen interactions. His groundbreaking work in this field not only showcased his commitment to medical research, but also earned him the title of Medical Research Scholar of the Year.
Dr. Kobba’s doctoral thesis, “Heat Shock Paradox: Role of Heat Shock Factor,” was a testament to his innovative research, and was subsequently published in a renowned medical journal, marking a significant milestone in his career. Furthermore, during his time at the University of California, Davis, he immersed himself in clinical rotations at the Medical Center in Sacramento, working under the tutelage of Dr. Matthew Bobinski, Dr. Arthur Brooks Dublin, Dr. Rosalie Hagge, and Dr. Adam Greenspan, where he completed his courses with honors.
Upon his return to Germany, Dr. Kobba successfully completed the State exams in 2009, which allowed him to begin to practice. He commenced his professional journey as a resident physician at the University Clinic in Bonn, where he continued to engage in research. Throughout his journey, he was mentored by luminaries such as Professor Baumgarten, Professor Knüffeman, and PD Dr. Se-Chan Kim, who played pivotal roles in shaping his career. He extends his heartfelt gratitude to these mentors, especially the late Professor H. Shimassek, his personal mentor, and Dr. Seitz, who supported him through challenging times. His brother, Dr. Joseph Kobba, his cousin and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Strasser-King, in Sacramento, California, also deserve special mention for their unwavering support throughout his academic and professional journey.
Dr. Kobba`s career path led him to Berlin in 2014, where he continued training at institutions like Vivantes Klinikum and Charite. After completing his residency, he worked as a fellow at Vivantes Klinikum until 2018. He transitioned to a role as an attending physician at Saint Augustinus Krankenhaus in Düren. During this time, his expertise in radiology flourished, eventually leading him to a consultancy position in 2019. In collaboration with Professor Brassel and Professor Sommer, he contributed to a chapter titled “Vene of Galen Aneurysmal Malformations” in the book “Pineal Region Lesions: Management Strategies and Controversial Issues.”
His career took a turn when he joined Radio-log, a network of practices in Bavaria. However, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted him to move to blikk Radiologie (now known as evidia), which has more than 75 locations throughout Germany. Additionally, he made contributions to Klinikum Aschaffenburg and Klinikum Darmstadt as a consultant. Dr. Kobba`s broad experience in radiology spans areas such as neuroradiology, musculoskeletal radiology, cardiovascular radiology(cardiac computed tomograms and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging), ultrasound examinations, Ultrasound and CT-guided procedures, and particularly, MRI diagnostics. His work in Doppler ultrasound technology and his emphasis on diagnosing and treating strokes demonstrate his commitment to advancing knowledge and improving patient care.
“The Radiology Department at Klinikum Darmstadt has provided me with an opportunity to enhance my skills in radiology significantly,” says Dr. Kobba. “Although the workload was initially daunting, I saw it as a chance to grow rather than shy away from it. Stepping out of your comfort zone is essential for development. I had the chance to perform procedures, ranging from computed-tomography-guided draining of abdominal abscesses to intricate lung, liver, and bone biopsies from different parts of the body with a focus on the back (vertebral column), particularly in cases like spondylodiscitis. My proficiency in conducting and interpreting cardiac computed tomograms (cardiac CTs) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cardiac MRIs) has improved tremendously.” “In addition to Darmstadt, working in Praxis Radio-log in Bavaria based in Passau and in Klinikum Aschaffenburg made me feel like I belonged to a caring community,” says Dr. Kobba.
“The exceptional care and support I have received in Darmstadt from working within an interdisciplinary team across departments such as Orthopedics, Neurology, Surgery, Emergency Medicine and Internal Medicine, particularly Oncology and Cardiology, along with the administrative team, has impressed me beyond words. It’s a privilege and a blessing to work in such an environment. As a Radiologist, my love for the field knows no bounds. If given the chance to start over, I would, without hesitation, choose Radiology.”
Dr. Samuel Kobba`s journey from a student to an experienced radiologist and respected consultant in Germany reflects a career committed to advancing medical research, education, and healthcare practice. He is the CEO of two companies and the CEO and co-founder of Craftbard.ai. His story showcases perseverance, innovation, and a deep focus on improving patient care outcomes.
Dr. Samuel Kobba, during his Medical Rotation at The University of California Medical Center in Sacramento