IN MEMORY: Samuel David Winner, MD - July 30, 1941–Oct. 14, 2010
Dr. Samuel Winner grew up in Huntingdon Valley, Penn. He attended Trinity College in Harford, Conn., and Columbia University, Physicians and Surgeons in New York City. He served as a Navy Regimental Surgeon in Vietnam attached to the 1st Marine Division, 5th Regiment from 1979 to 1980.
Dr. Samuel Winner moved to San Diego in 1977, shortly after completing his general surgery training at St. Lukes-Roosevelt Hospital in New York City and initiated a solo practice at San Dieguito Hospital in Encinitas. He soon became known as an outstanding surgeon, compassionate physician, and medical staff leader. He served as chairman of the surgery department (1979-1980) and Chief of Staff (1981-1982) and was instrumental in the growth of the hospital, its conversion to Scripps Encinitas, and its development into the outstanding institution that it is today. His efforts laid the groundwork for a general and vascular surgery practice that grew to include five surgeons and nine employees.
Dr. Winner’s devotion to the hospital, his practice, and his patients, was legendary.
He was completely committed to the success of Scripps Encinitas and understood the partnership between the medical staff and the administration and their common goal of serving the community. He was willing to donate unlimited time and energy to that cause and became a de-facto hospital administrator. There is no question that Scripps Encinitas owes its current success in large part to his efforts.
Sam felt an intense sense of responsibility to each and every one of his patients. No task was too trivial if it was in his patient’s interest – from wheeling them personally from his office to the emergency room to mopping the operating room floor to facilitate their care. In addition he truly enjoyed getting to know his patients and learning about their lives.
Dr. Winner died of complications of Alzheimer’s Disease in Del Mar.
He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Julie Korsmeyer, three children and three grandchildren. His family asks that you consider a donation in Dr. Winner’s name to The Helen Woodward Animal Center or Special Olympics.