The Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) Training Course

What People Are Saying

“I not only had the privilege of learning how to do SBGs from Dr. Sara Herman and Dr. Sam Ko, but I also had a personal experience of receiving a block myself from Dr. Herman. The confidence and relateability, knowledge and efficiency in which Sara performs the blocks is unparalleled. I have witnessed her working with other patients as well and all of her patients are relaxed and confident in her abilities and bedside manner. Both Sara and Sam have established such a trusting rapport with their patients that it was amazing to watch both of them take a newly learned procedure, perform it will skill and grace, and provide amazing benefits to the people they work with. I feel lucky to have been able to train with and work with them so that I can offer this promising new procedure to my ketamine clients.”

— Dr. Stephanie Coleman

“What excites me most about the SGB course taught by Dr. Sam Ko & Dr. Sara Herman is that there is now a trusted source from two actively practicing clinicians for the latest knowledge and techniques on how to safely perform SGB. Don’t let the SGB name fool you, this is the evolution of the SGB- it is the Dual Sympathetic Reset (DSR) under ultrasound guidance at C6 & C4. This approach is far superior in efficacy and safety compared to the usual single level C6 fluoroscopic guided injection. This gives, those who are brave enough to learn, a valuable therapeutic tool into one’s armamentarium as a clinician in the modern mental health space. Together, Sam & Sara are a dynamic duo that will keep you up to date, informed and entertained with their authentic one-of-a-kind physician personalities. You owe it to yourself and your patients to offer this treatment!”

— Dr. James Leatham

A Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is a medical procedure that involves injecting a local anesthetic near the stellate ganglion, a cluster of nerves in the neck that is part of the sympathetic nervous system, which controls the body’s "fight or flight" response. By temporarily blocking nerve signals, SGB can reduce hyperarousal in individuals with conditions like PTSD. This calming effect helps to “reset” or “reboot” the nervous system, lowering levels of stress-related chemicals like norepinephrine. SGB has been shown to relieve anxiety and other symptoms related to PTSD, offering patients a potential pathway to feel more relaxed and in control.

What is the SGB?

  • Sam Ko, MD, MBA, FACEP, FAAEM

    Course Instructor

    Dr. Samuel Ko is a board certified emergency physician and the medical director of Reset Ketamine in Palm Springs, California. He is a Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians and the American Academy of Emergency Medicine. He serves as an expert faculty member for the American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists, & Practitioners.

    Dr. Ko holds a Bachelor of Science from Seattle University and an MD/MBA from the University of Rochester in New York. He completed his residency at Loma Linda University Medical Center, where he embraced a holistic approach to patient care.  During his academic career, he has taught ultrasound skills & published articles in point of care ultrasound (POCUS) evaluation.  Dr. Ko also co-created Ketamine StartUp, an online course for teaching physicians ketamine infusion therapy. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, meditation, chess, and spending time with his family.

  • Sara Herman, MD, ABOIM

    Course Instructor

    Dr. Sara Herman is a board-certified cardiothoracic anesthesiologist and integrative medicine specialist. She is the founder of Soft Reboot Wellness, an integrative ketamine therapy practice in Silicon Valley. Dr. Herman earned her Bachelor's degree in Human Biology from Stanford University and completed cardiothoracic anesthesia training at Harvard Medical School and Columbia University. Her experience with meditation and breathwork inspired her transition from operating room medicine to psychedelic healing.

    Dr. Herman has received extensive training in responsible psychedelic therapy and integrative healing from the California Institute of Integral Studies, The Ketamine Training Center, The Integrative Psychiatry Institute, MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies), Embodywise Hakomi Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy, and The Academy of Integrative Health & Medicine. She has also completed Level One Training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) through the IFS Institute. Dr. Herman is dedicated to practicing psychedelic medicine with unwavering ethics, integrity, and a holistic, patient-centered approach.

  • Kimberly Chan, MD

    Creative Director

    Dr. Kimberly Chan is a board-certified ophthalmologist and a diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Her medical journey led her from the corridors of Loma Linda University to the operating rooms, where she mastered the art of restoring sight. However, her story took an unexpected turn when she and her husband co-founded Reset Ketamine, an infusion clinic in Palm Springs, California. Drawing from this experience, they launched Ketamine StartUp, a comprehensive online course designed to equip physicians with the tools needed to start their own clinics.

    With a B.S. in Business Administration from Pacific Union College and coaching training from the Co-Active Coaching Institute, Dr. Chan blends her diverse educational background with her passion. Through her personal journey, she discovered a powerful antidote to imposter syndrome and burnout: authentically loving what she does. This profound realization fuels her passion for coaching and teaching, as she believes that genuine professional growth begins with personal healing and rediscovering one’s passions. Dr. Chan is dedicated to helping others find clarity in their professional journeys and enhance their vision for success.