With a deep commitment to improving long-term health outcomes, she combines evidence-based medical treatment with compassionate, individualised care to help her patients achieve sustainable wellness.
Her clinical interests centre on the complex interplay between hormonal health, metabolic function, and lifestyle behaviours that contribute to obesity and chronic disease. She emphasises a multidisciplinary approach—integrating nutrition, physical activity, behavioural strategies, and, where appropriate, medical therapies—to empower patients to take charge of their health.
Dr Sharmila is passionate about addressing the unique challenges women face across different life stages, from reproductive health and pregnancy to menopause and beyond. Her practice philosophy is rooted in patient education, shared decision-making, and long-term support to promote healthy, confident living.
In 2025, Dr Sharmila was awarded Recognition of Extended Skills in Obesity Management by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)—a national pathway she helped develop as part of a dedicated College working group. She is also a member of a national multi-stakeholder advocacy group focused on equitable access to treatment for people living with obesity.
She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Obesity and Weight Management from the University of South Wales and is an experienced speaker and educator, regularly presenting to medical practitioners and the public to raise awareness about the cardiometabolic impacts of obesity.
Dr Sharmila is actively involved in clinical governance and advisory committees, including:
Committee Member, ACT Pelvic Pain Clinic
Committee Member, ACT Health Maternity in Focus 2023–24
Beyond her clinical work, Dr Sambandam advocates for public health initiatives targeting obesity prevention and women’s wellness. She frequently participates in community outreach programs and educational workshops to promote women’s health and metabolic health awareness.
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.
