K. SAMER SHAMIEH, MD EARNS BACK-TO-BACK RECOGNITION ON BECKER’S 2026 CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICERS TO KNOW LIST
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 25, 2026
Media Inquiries: Brooke Russell | 985.801.6212 | info@avala.com
Covington, Louisiana – AVALA is proud to announce that K. Samer Shamieh, MD, AVALA Chief Medical Officer and renowned minimally invasive spine surgeon, has been honored for the second consecutive year on Becker’s Hospital Review’s prestigious “Chief Medical Officers to Know” list for 2026. This recognition is a testament to Dr. Shamieh’s extraordinary dedication to clinical excellence, his transformative leadership at AVALA, and his relentless pursuit of the highest standards of patient care.
Dr. Shamieh is recognized as one of the region’s most accomplished and forward-thinking spine surgeons, known for advancing minimally invasive techniques that elevate both outcomes and recovery. His career is defined by a commitment to innovation, surgical precision, and a deep dedication to patient-centered care.
As the driving force behind AVALA Spine, Dr. Shamieh has built a highly integrated practice spanning five locations across South Louisiana. Supported by a multidisciplinary team of two spine surgeons, two neurosurgeons, an interventional pain management physician, and an incoming neurologist, the practice exemplifies a comprehensive, collaborative approach to care delivery.
From complex spinal reconstructions to advanced neurosurgical procedures, Dr. Shamieh consistently delivers exceptional clinical outcomes. His expertise, combined with his compassionate approach, has earned him the trust of patients and the respect of colleagues, solidifying his reputation as a leader in spine care throughout the healthcare community.
Inspired by his father, a distinguished neurologist in Louisiana, Dr. Shamieh’s path into medicine was set early. His commitment to compassionate care was further shaped during his residency, when a life-altering personal experience gave him a profound understanding of what patients endure and what they deserve from their physicians. That perspective has guided every decision he has made as both a clinician and a leader, instilling in AVALA a culture where patients are never just a case number but individuals worthy of world-class attention, empathy, and results.
As AVALA’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamieh is the clinical heartbeat of the organization. He oversees the integrity of peer review processes, credentialing, and the critical data entrusted to him by Medical Staff Committees, ensuring that AVALA consistently delivers trusted, safe, and effective healthcare solutions to the communities it serves. His visionary leadership was instrumental in the founding of AVALA Hospital and the creation of its nationally recognized Spine Program, and his ambitions for the organization have never been greater. Dr. Shamieh is committed to expanding AVALA’s reach, deepening its impact, and growing its capabilities so that more patients across the Gulf South and beyond can access the exceptional care that has become the AVALA hallmark.
Under Dr. Shamieh’s leadership, AVALA Hospital has accumulated hundreds of prestigious awards since opening its doors in 2017, including continuous recognition among Becker’s Healthcare’s “Great Neuro and Spine Programs” and “Top Doctor” honors from EDGE of the Lake Magazine. AVALA’s world-class amenities, state-of-the-art technology, and unwavering focus on clinical excellence reflect the vision Dr. Shamieh has championed from day one: that outstanding medical outcomes and an exceptional patient experience are not competing goals but inseparable standards.
Looking ahead, Dr. Shamieh’s vision for AVALA is bold and purposeful. With plans to expand services, cultivate the next generation of healthcare leaders, and forge new partnerships that extend AVALA’s influence, he is positioning the organization for a future defined by growth, innovation, and an ever-deeper commitment to the patients and communities at its core. For Dr. Shamieh, being recognized on Becker’s list is not a destination but a reflection of a standard he holds every single day and a motivation to continue raising the bar.
The complete list of CMOs to Know by Becker’s Hospital Review can be found here.
