In 2022, Dr. Samudragupta Bora came to Cleveland to spend a day exploring our town, guided by Executive Arrangements. He was considering a job offer from University Hospitals, and lucky for our entire region, he accepted the role and relocated to Cleveland. Sam shares more about the job that brought him to our city and his before and after thoughts on his new hometown.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself—where you grew up or think of as “home” and other cities you have lived in before relocating to Cleveland?
I was born and raised in India. When I think of “home,” I think of a small town called Jorhat in Assam, in northeastern India, and, on occasion, Boston. I left India for Christchurch, New Zealand, and then lived in St. Louis and Boston. I relocated to Cleveland from Brisbane, Australia and Cleveland is the eleventh city I have ever lived in and the third in the United States. For my Cleveland home, I made a gallery wall that displays all the places I have lived. After more than two years in Cleveland, it is feeling like home.
Can you describe in layman’s terms the job that brought you to Cleveland?
I relocated to Cleveland in January 2023 to serve as the Director of Early Childhood Neurodevelopmental Outcomes at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. I was drawn to the health system’s leadership and expertise in my subspecialty field of neonatal follow-up. I am a researcher who specializes in the development of high-risk infants, particularly those born prematurely. My goal is to gain a better understanding of their (neurodevelopmental) outcomes, as well as the neurological and social factors that influence these outcomes. In addition, I am increasingly focused on improving the delivery and accessibility of neurodevelopmental follow-up care in resource-constrained settings.
What were your impressions of our town before you spent the day with Executive Arrangements?
I must admit that I knew very little about Cleveland before spending the day with Executive Arrangements. I knew the city had several excellent healthcare systems and one of the best children’s hospitals in the country. I knew Case Western is a leading academic institution. I knew Cleveland is on Lake Erie and had heard of Shaker Heights, but that was it! There is no doubt that Executive Arrangements played a significant role in showing me the attractions of Cleveland, which helped me decide to relocate to Cleveland and join University Hospitals.
What surprised you the most about Cleveland?
If I had to pick one thing that surprised me the most about Cleveland, it would be the Midwestern hospitality that I have consistently encountered throughout the city. Other notable mentions include the city’s rich history, stunning architecture, vibrant cultural institutions, and restaurant scene. I am a people person, and Midwestern Hospitality will undoubtedly win me over.
Can you share your favorites? Parks, trails, restaurants, bars, museums, music venues, anything that you go to repeatedly because you love it.
In my spare time, I enjoy exploring Cleveland’s cultural and culinary scene. My absolute favorite is the Cleveland Museum of Art. I enjoy walking around Tremont and Glenville because of their history. I am a foodie, and my favorite restaurants include Amba in Ohio City, Zhug and Zoma Ethiopian in Cleveland Heights, and Marble Room in downtown Cleveland. I usually hang out at L’Albatros in University Circle or Home Bistro in Little Italy.
What neighborhood did you choose to live in, and why did you pick it?
I live in the University Circle neighborhood because it is close to work, restaurants, and cultural attractions. I live at One University Circle and can confidently say that I would not want to live anywhere else because the diverse community with shared interests makes all the difference.
If you were sitting on a plane next to someone who had never been to Cleveland before, how would you describe it now that you have lived here for a while?
I would tell them to give Cleveland a chance; they would be pleasantly surprised, and they may never leave.
More than 100 times a year Executive Arrangements creates a customized area orientation for a job candidate or relocating employee who is contemplating a move to Cleveland or Akron. Each outing is highly personalized and no two are alike. Each EA Day connects candidates to community members with shared interests and backgrounds and handpicked VIP stops highlight the warmth and hospitality of our town and the resources, people and places that make CLE/AKN so special. If your organization’s talent attraction or retention efforts could use an injection of new ideas in 2025, call us: 216.231.9311.