Sam Maddula: Revolutionizing Healthcare with Innovation and Compassion

A Life Transformed by Sight

Born in a rural village in India with severe visual impairment, Sam Maddula’s early life was filled with darkness and uncertainty. However, a life-changing moment came in 1987 when his family attended an Eye Camp organized by the Eye Foundation of America (EFA). At just two years old, Sam underwent dual corneal transplant surgeries performed by Dr. VK Raju, which restored his vision.

This experience became the driving force behind his lifelong mission—to give back to society and revolutionize healthcare.

Building a Healthcare Empire

Sam pursued his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Rutgers University’s Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, graduating in 2009. Recognizing the need for improved mental health and substance use disorder treatment, he founded Bank’s Apothecary Specialty Pharmacy in Philadelphia in 2010.

What started as a small pharmacy soon expanded into a $300 million enterprise, serving over 150,000 patients across 16 states. Under Sam’s leadership, it became the largest independently held behavioral health specialty pharmacy in the U.S.

In 2022, Sam decided to sell Bank’s Apothecary to a private equity firm, allowing him to focus on broader healthcare initiatives and philanthropy.

Philanthropy and Giving Back

Understanding the impact of healthcare on people’s lives, Sam established the Maddula Foundation, through which he has donated millions to healthcare and education initiatives. His philanthropic work includes:

• Supporting the Eye Foundation of America in its mission to prevent childhood blindness
• Funding healthcare and educational projects in underserved communities
• Advocating for better mental health and pharmacy services

Shaping the Future of Healthcare

In 2023, Sam founded Workshop Strategy, a consulting firm aimed at helping healthcare organizations scale, improve operations, and enhance patient care. He works with private equity firms, Fortune 500 companies, and healthcare startups to maximize growth and investment value.

His expertise and strategic vision have positioned him as a trusted advisor in the healthcare industry.

Mentorship and Advocacy

Beyond his business ventures, Sam is deeply committed to mentorship and advocacy. He serves on the boards of multiple non-profits and academic institutions, including:

• Eye Foundation of America
• Liguori Academy
• University of Washington School of Pharmacy’s Executive Advisory Council

Through these roles, he mentors young pharmacists, promotes mental health awareness, and champions healthcare accessibility.

Fighting Childhood Blindness in India

Sam’s passion for giving back extends to his roots in India. At a recent fundraiser, he shared his inspiring journey, helping raise over $1 million to fight childhood blindness. These funds will:

• Establish 100 Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) screening centers
• Train 500 healthcare professionals
• Treat 10,000 infants annually

His commitment to eradicating preventable blindness remains one of his most impactful philanthropic efforts.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Sam envisions himself in a leadership role within a major healthcare organization, where he can continue driving transformative change. His focus remains on advancing pharmacy and healthcare through innovation, strategy, and mentorship.

His journey—from a visually impaired child in a small village to a healthcare leader and philanthropist—is a testament to resilience, vision, and the power of giving back.