Samuel Robert Lathan was born in Charlotte, NC., and raised in Chester, SC. He graduated from Chester High School in 1955. He was Valedictorian, played varsity basketball and was Editor of the student newspaper and an Eagle Scout.
He received a BS degree in 1959 from Davidson College where he belonged to Phi Beta Kappa, Kappa Alpha Fraternity, and was Managing Editor of The Davidsonian.
He then went to Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. While there he was a member of the Pithotomy Club and did an elective quarter of studies at Guy's Hospital in London. He received his MD degree in 1963. His internship was done at Duke University Hospital (1963-1964). He did a fellowship in Cardiopulmonary Diseases (1964-1965) and his residency in Internal Medicine (1965-1967) at Frady Hospital in Atlanta, GA .
From 1967 through 1969 he was Chief of Professioonal Services at the United States Air Force Hospital, Perrin AFB, Texas.
Since 1969, he has been in private practice, Internal Medicine and Cardiopumonary Diseases, in Atlanta, GA., first with the Lowance Clinic (1969-1973), then Colony Medical Group (1973-1980), and finally a solo practice since 1980. He is a currently clinical assistant professor of medicine at Emory University School of Medicine.
He is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Chest Physicians. He is also a Diplomat, American Board of Internal Medicine. He has had 10 (or more) scientific papers published in journals and belongs to many medical organizations, locally and nationally. He is on the staff of Piedmont Hospital, Shepherd Spinal Center and West Paces Ferry Hospital. He has been practicing internal medicine and cardiopulmonary diseases for more than 31 years.
He is member of All Saints Episcopal Church and is active in civic organizations including the United Way, MACAD Speakers Bureau, Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, and was on the Medical Support Group of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games.
His hobbies include travel, reading, and sports including golf, and long distance running. He has completed 27 marathons (including 7 Boston Marathons) and 11 Ultramarathons.