Launched in Fall 2023, Milken Community School’s Scholars in Residence program brings distinguished leaders, thinkers, and practitioners into the life of the school, offering students rare opportunities to learn directly from experts who are shaping their fields. Now entering its third year, the program continues to grow—deepening Milken’s commitment to academic excellence, real-world learning, and the integration of Jewish values across disciplines by intentionally bridging theory and practice.

This year, Milken is highlighting its Scholars in Residence through a four-part article series, celebrating both new and returning scholars. For the 2025–2026 school year, Milken proudly welcomes Victor Kohn and Dr. Sam Torbati as its newest Scholars in Residence, while continuing its meaningful partnerships with Rabbi Ed Feinstein, now in his third year as Beit Midrash Fellowship Scholar in Residence, and Maestra Noreen Green, in her second year as Performing Arts Scholar in Residence. Milken is also grateful to Dr. Leon Alkalai, who concluded his two-year residency last year.

Dr. Sam Torbati | Scholar in Residence, Mitchell Academy of Science + Technology (MAST)
When Dr. Sam Torbati first visited Milken as Scholar in Residence, he brought students straight into the realities of emergency medicine through real cases and the decisions behind them.

Dr. Sam Torbati, MD, FAAEM, FACEP, serves as Chair and Medical Director of the Cedars-Sinai Emergency Department and holds the Levin Gordon Chair in Emergency Medicine. A board-certified physician and Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, he is a nationally recognized leader in clinical innovation, research, and education. His work has advanced best practices in emergency medicine, with research published in leading journals including The New England Journal of Medicine and The Lancet.
As Scholar in Residence for Milken’s Mitchell Academy of Science + Technology (MAST) Signature Program, Dr. Torbati invites students into the real-time decision-making of the emergency department. He brings stories, ethical dilemmas, and the human complexity behind every medical decision.

From his first visit, Dr. Torbati immersed students in real-world emergency scenarios, asking them to think critically about the medical, emotional, and ethical dimensions of care. Whether engaging with small Science Research and Design (SRD) classes or speaking to students interested in health sciences during Lishma, he challenged students to wrestle with difficult decisions.

“I was really impressed with how Dr. Torbati was able to draw in and connect with students almost immediately upon his first visit,” shared Dr. Damon Scoville, Science Teacher. “His real-world cases gave students insight into the day-to-day challenges of working in the ER. When he asked students what they would do if they were in his shoes, it pushed them to think about decisions that affect not only patients, but also their families and the doctor as well.”

For many students, the conversation reshaped how they think about both research and the practice of medicine.

One student reflected on the importance of intellectual curiosity and openness in the research process:
“Don’t go into things with one fixed idea and a closed mind. The most important discoveries come when you stay open to where the questions lead.”

Another student described how Dr. Torbati reframed their understanding of what meaningful scientific research requires:

“In research, we often focus on curing the problem. But Dr. Torbati reminded us that understanding the patient’s experience—the human story behind the illness—is just as important.”

Students were also struck by the complex relationship between medicine and human behavior. As one student noted,

“You can want to help someone as much as possible, but they also have to be willing to help themselves. That idea applies not only in emergency medicine, but in fields like psychology and mental health as well.”

For others, the conversation encouraged them to think more intentionally about how their current research connects to their future paths.

“It made me realize that the research we do now can reflect the kind of scientist or doctor we hope to become,” one student shared. “If you already know what excites you—whether it’s cardiology, psychology, or another field—you can start exploring those questions now.”

Throughout his sessions, Dr. Torbati seamlessly integrated Jewish values into conversations about medicine and leadership. During Lishma, he grounded his remarks in pikuach nefesh, the Jewish imperative to preserve life, demonstrating how ethical and spiritual frameworks inform real-world medical decision-making.

“His ability to weave in Jewish values was natural and genuine,” Damon added. “Students really saw the relevance and meaning behind those traditions.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Torbati will continue working closely with SRD students, offering feedback on research projects and guiding conversations at the intersection of science, medicine, innovation, and ethics. His perspective as both a physician leader and educator allows students to see how academic inquiry translates directly into clinical impact.

As both a proud Milken parent and proud alumni parent, Dr. Torbati’s connection to the community is personal. His presence on campus reflects not only professional excellence, but also a deep commitment to Milken students and nurturing the next generation of thoughtful and ethical leaders in science and medicine.

Through the Scholars in Residence program, students are not only learning about emergency medicine, they are exploring how values, compassion, intellectual curiosity, and courage shape life-and-death decisions.