Sami Backley, MD

Biography

Dr. Sami Backley is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Fetal Intervention within the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston and a faculty member of the UTHealth Houston Fetal Center. He is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Dr. Backley completed his medical degree at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, followed by residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Massachusetts Medical School – Baystate Medical Center. He then pursued a fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine at UTHealth Houston, where he also completed advanced fellowship training in fetal intervention. His clinical expertise includes the full spectrum of fetal intervention, with particular focus on minimally invasive fetal surgical techniques for conditions such as spina bifida, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, and intrauterine blood transfusions.

An active clinician-scientist, Dr. Backley has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and presented at leading national and international meetings, including the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM), the International Fetal Medicine and Surgery Society (IFMSS), and the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG). His research interests span fetal surgical outcomes, innovations in prenatal diagnostics, and optimization of maternal-fetal care pathways.

Dr. Backley has earned multiple awards for his contributions to research and clinical excellence, including the SMFM Residency Award for Excellence in Obstetrics, Young Investigator Awards from the IFMSS, and the Best Oral Presentation Award at the ISUOG World Congress. He also serves in leadership and service roles within professional organizations, including the SMFM Communications Committee and as an elected Associate Member Representative to the SMFM Board.

With extensive training in both maternal-fetal medicine and advanced fetal intervention, Dr. Backley is deeply committed to providing the highest level of care to mothers and babies. Working in partnership with a multidisciplinary team dedicated to maternal and fetal health, he combines innovation, compassion, and collaboration to ensure that every patient receives both exceptional skill and genuine empathy throughout their care journey.