In Memory of Dr. Werner Samson
The Medic One Foundation mourns the loss of Dr. Werner Samson, one of our founding board members, a longtime Foundation leader, and a cherished friend whose influence helped shape emergency medical care throughout our region.
Dr. Samson passed away on May 4, 2026, just one day shy of his 98th birthday.
For more than three decades, Werner served on the Medic One Foundation Board of Directors, including many years as Secretary. He was the last surviving member of the Foundation’s original board and remained actively engaged with the organization long after his board service ended. His wisdom, guidance, and commitment to our mission helped establish the Foundation’s culture and laid the groundwork for generations of lifesaving work.
While Werner was not a founder of the Medic One program itself, he played a significant role in its early development. A respected cardiologist and faculty member at the University of Washington, he worked alongside Dr. Leonard Cobb and other pioneering leaders during the formative years of Seattle’s emergency medical services system. He helped train some of the region’s first paramedics and was instrumental in the creation of Seattle’s groundbreaking community CPR program, an initiative that would become a model for communities across the nation.
His contributions extended far beyond Medic One. Dr. Samson devoted his professional life to advancing cardiovascular medicine, medical education, and patient care. After graduating from the University of Washington School of Medicine, he became the first UW medical graduate to complete residency training at the University of Rochester. He later returned to Seattle, completed his cardiology fellowship, and performed the first heart catheterization at UW Hospital. Throughout his distinguished career, he served as a physician, educator, mentor, and leader, helping shape the next generation of medical professionals.
Those accomplishments alone would define an extraordinary life. Yet those who knew Werner will remember something even greater.
He was kind. He was thoughtful. He was humble.
Werner and his wife, Joni, led by example through their generosity and commitment to service. For decades they faithfully supported the Foundation’s mission, investing in programs, research, training, and equipment that continue to save lives today.
The impact of Werner’s life cannot be measured solely by his professional accomplishments or years of service. It can be seen in the strength of the Medic One system, the success of Seattle’s CPR programs, the generations of physicians and paramedics he helped train, and the countless patients whose lives were touched by his work.
We are profoundly grateful for Dr. Werner Samson’s friendship, leadership, and lifelong dedication to improving emergency medical care.
Our deepest condolences go to Joni and the Samson family.