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It is with a heavy heart that we share the incredibly sad news that our colleague and friend, Dr. Ajay Sampat, passed away yesterday morning after a courageous battle with ALS. While we knew this was inevitable, his passing came more quickly than expected and has left a profound void in our department and beyond.
Ajay was an esteemed member of our faculty and a gifted educator. He joined UC Davis in 2018 as an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Neurology, Division of Sleep Medicine, after completing medical school at the University of Chicago, residency at Northwestern University, and a fellowship in sleep medicine at UCLA.
Ajay’s impact on our community extended far beyond his clinical expertise. He was deeply committed to medical education, serving as an Academic Coach within the School of Medicine and as Associate Clerkship Director for the Neurology Clerkship. His ability to engage and inspire learners was unparalleled. He had a gift for distilling complex neurological concepts into clear and accessible lessons — a talent that was recognized by our neurology residents when they awarded him the Excellence in Teaching Award in 2019.
Even after his diagnosis, Ajay’s dedication to teaching never wavered. Though he stepped back from clinical duties, he remained steadfast in his commitment to his students and mentees. He continued to lead clerkship sessions, deliver Grand Rounds presentations nationally, and mentor learners with the same warmth, patience, and brilliance that defined his career. Ajay’s innovative "Choose Your Own Adventure" teaching sessions and his insightful sessions on brain imaging were not just educational — they were transformative experiences for those fortunate enough to learn from him.
Ajay’s influence extended well beyond UC Davis. His national presence as an educator and mentor reflected his extraordinary ability to connect with learners and colleagues alike. He taught with humility and authenticity, sharing his personal experiences with the medical profession and elevating the art of "doctoring" across the country.
To honor Ajay’s remarkable legacy, we have established a scholarship award in his memory to support future generations of medical students — a cause that reflects his lifelong dedication to education and mentorship and provided him great comfort during his ALS journey. If you would like to contribute, you can make a donation here: Ajay Sampat Memorial Scholarship. We will ensure that Ajay’s family is notified of all contributions made in his honor.
Ajay was not just an exceptional educator and clinician — he was a compassionate colleague and friend. His legacy will live on through the countless students, residents, and colleagues he inspired. We are deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to know and learn from Ajay. He will be deeply missed.
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