Bariatric Physician
She is deeply committed to holistic wellness and preventative medicine, striving for the best health outcomes for her patients. Her passion for obesity management arises from her interest in preventative health and stopping preventable disease in their tracks.
Dr Sambandam understands the significant impact that being overweight or obese can have on your physical and mental health – most importantly, the increased risks of certain diseases that arise. She recognises the challenges people face in losing weight and the frustration of repeated failed attempts. She adopts a non-judgemental, supportive approach to patient care, as put simply, it is not easy to lose weight, and it is often harder when you are on the journey alone.
Dr Sambandam was mentored by leading international obesity clinical researcher, Professor John Dixon, through the Horizon Mentorship Program. She works closely with a handpicked team of allied health specialists in weight management and incorporates the latest medical and injection therapy (where indicated) into her clinical practice. She takes a personalised approach, empowering individuals on their wellness journey and crafting tailored weight loss strategies that prioritise long-term health outcomes, which are sustainable for her patients.
She has achieved the internationally recognised SCOPE-certification as a Bariatric Doctor, which is the gold standard for obesity management training, issued by the World Obesity Federation.
Dr Sambandam has completed the Blackburn Course in Obesity Medicine offered by Harvard Medical School, tailored around the care of adult, adolescent, and paediatric patients with obesity. She was selected to be a part of the Rethink Obesity in Practice program. She is a member of the RACGP Obesity Management Special Interest Group. Additionally, she is a member of the Obesity Collective and a member of the National Association of Clinical Obesity Services.
She is also a member of the executive working group dedicated to progressing the application for Recognition of Extended Skills for Fellows of the RACGP in Obesity Management (RES).
Dr Sambandam’s other areas of interest include women’s health, contraception, pregnancy, menopause management, chronic disease management, and mental healthcare.
I love my profession for the opportunity to learn all my life, for the changes I can bring about in someone’s life, being part of so many people’s life journey.
I have been very lucky to work with some amazing mentors and learn from them over the years. I have learnt to listen to every concern and not focus on just what sounds important to me. I have learnt how important it is to value my time and skills so I will not feel burnt out, I have learnt to do what is needed and what is right even when it takes more time than expected.
