Samuel Adida, MD, MS, joined the University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurological Surgery residency program in July 2026 after earning his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He previously earned a combined bachelor's and master's degree in chemistry from Carnegie Mellon University, where he graduated with departmental, college, and university honors.
Before medical school, Dr. Adida worked as a research scientist at BioHybrid Solutions, now Myris Therapeutics, where he developed protein-polymer therapeutics. His clinical and academic interests include spine deformity, spine oncology, and skull base surgery. His research has been recognized through competitive awards and grant support and has resulted in numerous peer-reviewed publications and presentations at regional and national neurosurgical meetings. He is also a founder of BioForce Spine LLC, a University of Pittsburgh-based start-up company developing a surface modification technology for titanium implants.
Dr. Adida’s publications are available through the National Library of Medicine’s publication database.
Dr. Adida was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and was an NCAA student-athlete on the Carnegie Mellon University men's soccer team. Outside of neurosurgery, he enjoys running, weightlifting, and spending time with friends and family.
Specialized Areas of Interest
Professional Organization Membership
Education & Training
- MD, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 2026
- MS, Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, 2021
- BS, Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, 2021
Honors & Awards
- Bert and Sally O'Malley Award for Outstanding Medical Student Research, University of Pittsburgh, 2026
- Lunsford and Leksell Radiosurgery Award, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, 2025
- First Place, Wells Student HealthTech Challenge, 2025
- Best Neurosurgery Poster Award, Safar Symposium, 2024
- Semifinalist, American Medical Association Research Challenge, 2024
- Salk Health Activist Fellowship, Jewish Healthcare Foundation, 2024
- Templitz Memorial Scholarship, University of Pittsburgh, 2023-2024
- Walter L. Copeland Medical Student Scholar, The Pittsburgh Foundation, 2023
- Medical Executive Committee Grant, UPMC Mercy, 2023
- Best Poster Award, Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Annual Forum, 2023
- Best Research Award and People's Choice Award, UPMC Wound Healing Symposium, 2023
- Best Poster Award, UPMC Aging Institute, 2023
- Medical Student Summer Research Fellowship, Hospital for Special Surgery, 2023
- Morris H. and Gertrude M. Harris Foundation Scholarship, University of Pittsburgh, 2022-2026
- Nisan Gilboa Scholarship, University of Pittsburgh, 2022-2026
- Departmental, College, and University Honors, Carnegie Mellon University, 2021
- Student-Athlete Academic Achievement Award, Carnegie Mellon University, 2020
- Dean's List with High Honors, Carnegie Mellon University, 2017-2021
- Faculty Memorial Scholarship, Carnegie Mellon University, 2017-2021