Dr Burns has his MS in Anatomy and Neurobiology and MD from the University of Arkansas. He finished his neonatology fellowship there in 2012. He practiced in San Antonio and then came back to the University of Arkansas to practice and teach as an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics. Most recently he has been practicing in Jonesboro, Arkansas at the St Bernard's Medical Center. Sam has broad clinical experience and has served in leadership of NICU quality improvement initiatives and in administrative roles.

Dr. Burns joined Sunflower in 2019. He lives in Overland Park with his wife and busy family of 4.