Dr. Samuel W. Samuel, MD - Pain Management in Cleveland, Ohio

“Dr Samuel gave me my first cortisone injections in my knees. Six months passed and the pain returned. After 3 to 4 months I could receive more injections. Dr Samuel refused. I went to another Cleveland Clinic pain management specialist willing to repeat the injections. After that visit , I was informed by his office that he would no longer see me due to said visit. Ombudsman stated that he can drop patients for ANY reason.”

— N F

“One of the most dehumanizing experiences I've ever had with a "doctor" I don't even know how to begin. What I experienced with Dr. Samuel W. Samuel at Cleveland Clinic was not medical care--it was cold, dismissive, and honestly shocking. After everything I've been through medically, this was the final blow that made me lose faith in the healthcare system. I'm a father of four, recovering from six major surgeries over the last few years. I was a strong, healthy powerlifter until a serious pec tear led to surgical complications, infections, and years of recovery. I also had lower back surgery just five months before seeing Dr. Samuel. In Texas, I was under proper pain management with a stable medication plan that gave me some quality of life back. We recently moved home to Ohio. My new primary care doctor referred me to pain management. My wife came with me since I can't currently drive, and we brought full medical records--MRIs, surgery reports, everything. I went in hoping to continue the care I was already receiving. Instead, I left feeling like I'd been treated like a criminal. From the start, Dr. Samuel came in with attitude. He barely let me talk before saying, "You're never getting those meds," with a smug smile like he had already decided I didn't deserve help. My wife tried to explain the severity of my condition, and he cut her off. He said it was his call now and made it clear he had no interest in hearing my history. He asked for a urine test, which I gladly agreed to. I've taken plenty--always clean. In fact, I had two clean tests from my primary care doctor the week before, including the same morning I saw Dr. Samuel. One week later, we returned for the follow-up. The first words out of his mouth: "You're on fentanyl." I was stunned. I've never taken fentanyl or anything outside of what was prescribed. He didn't ask any questions, didn't care to hear my side--he just shut me down completely. It felt like a setup, and the way the staff handled the sample made it even more suspicious. It was uncomfortable, disorganized, and unprofessional. Now I've been left without any of my pain medications. I've been suffering for weeks, unable to function, and I'm honestly scared of seeing another pain management doctor after what happened. I've seen many doctors in the U.S., and yes, some weren't great--but Dr. Samuel was something else. He showed no compassion, no understanding, no professionalism. Just judgment and control. I'm not writing this out of emotion--I'm writing it so others know what they might be walking into. No one who's lived through real pain deserves to be treated like this. If you want care, if you want a doctor who listens, look elsewhere.”

— PaMaWe Team

“I watched my husband be treated like he was nothing I don't usually write reviews, but what happened with Dr. Samuel W. Samuel at Cleveland Clinic was so upsetting that I feel I have to speak out--not just for my husband, but for any family going through something similar. My husband is a father of four, a strong man who was once a powerlifter before a serious injury changed his life. He's had six major surgeries over the last few years, including a complicated pec tear that led to infections, sepsis, and a long, painful recovery. He also had lower back surgery just five months before we saw this doctor. In Texas, he was under proper pain management, finally stable and able to function again. We recently moved back to Ohio, and his new primary care doctor had no issue continuing care and referred him to pain management. That's how we ended up with Dr. Samuel. I came with him to the appointment because he can't drive, and we brought all of his records--MRIs, surgery notes, test results--everything. From the moment Dr. Samuel walked into the room, I could feel that something was wrong. He didn't listen, didn't ask questions, and seemed like he had already made up his mind. When my husband calmly explained that he just wanted to continue his existing treatment plan, the doctor smirked and said, "You're never getting those meds." Just like that--without even trying to understand his case. It felt cruel. I almost started crying. I know how bad things get when my husband is in pain--he can't sleep, can't get out of bed, can't function. I told the doctor this, and he simply said, "Well, I'm not the doctor who prescribed them, so it's my decision now." There was no compassion, no concern--just control and judgment. He ordered a urine test, and my husband gladly agreed. He's done many before, all clean. He had two tests with his primary doctor the week before, including the same morning we saw Dr. Samuel. A week later, we came back for the follow-up. The very first thing Dr. Samuel said was, "You're on fentanyl." We were both in complete shock. My husband has never touched anything that wasn't prescribed. He's one of the most disciplined and cautious people I know. He hadn't even taken his prescribed meds for a full week before the test just to show he was serious. When we tried to explain, Dr. Samuel didn't care. He cut us off again. He didn't want to hear anything. I was angry and hurt watching someone dismiss my husband like that after everything he's been through. The way the urine sample was handled also felt unprofessional--staff seemed confused and unsure, and something just didn't feel right. Now, my husband has been left with no medication, suffering day and night, and too afraid to trust another doctor. He stopped all his medications, and I can't do anything about that, It breaks my heart. I've never seen him this hopeless. And no one deserves to be treated like that--especially by someone in a position of care. I'm writing this not out of anger, but because patients deserve to know the truth. Dr. Samuel showed no compassion, no effort to help, and no interest in understanding his patient. If you're seeking real care, please be cautious.”

— Tatsiana Lahutsina

“Dr. Samuel was very helpful and gave me recommendations on preventive care to help with my pain. Most doctors just ask questions and try to prescribe without diagnoses. I have confidence in this doctor and I really appreciate his service.”

— Meta World