Samyuktha (Sami) Melachuri was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where her passion for medicine began. From a young age, Sami noticed the large disparity of access to healthcare and resources between affluent, middle class, and underserved populations. With the mentorship of Dr. Bruce Bostrom and after organizing free medical camps for refugees/homeless populations, she realized the life changing impact medicine can provide. 

Her journey to medicine brought her to Pittsburgh, where she completed her undergraduate studies and medical school at Pitt Medicine. Much of her time was devoted to patient advocacy by crafting policy to improve healthcare and pursuing research to improve patient outcomes. Though initially interested in other surgical specialties, she was drawn to Ophthalmology after volunteering with Pitt Med's Guerilla Eye Service, a mobile and free eye clinic. The ability to provide eye care to the community and perform intricate ocular surgeries was an opportunity not to miss. 

Throughout her journey, she had the unwavering support of her parents, younger sister Divya, an ENT resident, her fiancé Ravi, a neurosurgery resident, and her Havanese puppy, Bella! Outside the hospital, Sami enjoys dancing, working out, being a puppy butler, and exploring new places.