Samuel Scher started his medical studies at the University of Cape Town and, being a very bright student, he was awarded the MA in anatomy in 1926 with such brilliant classmates as Sir Solly Zuckerman, Tom Dry and David Slome. He then entered University College Hospital in London, qualified in 1930

Born in London in 1903, he was educated at Alleyn's School and King's College Hospital where he qualified with the Conjoint Diploma in 1927. After qualification he became resident surgical officer at the Hallam Hospital West Bromwich and then, returning to King's College Hospital, surgical registrar