Dr. Lanalee Araba Sam isn’t your average OB/GYN. In addition to running her own unique brand of private practice in Fort Lauderdale, Elite Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Sam is the director of robotic surgery at West Boca Medical Center and teaches other surgeons robotic surgery nationally.

What exactly is “Elite” obstetrics and gynecology? The concept of a VIP patient program came to Dr. Sam when she realized that the average obstetrician delivers 10 to 40 babies per month. “Therefore, they don’t get the chance to build a personal relationship with their patients,” Dr. Sam points out. “Doctors work on call, so if yours is not available when you go into labor, a different doctor than the one you have been seeing may deliver your baby. When a patient is in labor, the doctor doesn’t come in until right before it’s time to deliver. Up until that point the nurse is assisting the patient, which results in a less personal experience.” So Dr. Sam created the Elite VIP program, which means that she is in the hospital with her patients throughout the labor period; they also have her home phone and cell numbers, and she cancels everything in her schedule when they go into labor. Because of the extent of personal attention each patient receives, she limits the number of patients to four per month, which allows her to give truly exceptional care to each patient. The Elite VIP obstetrical patient program is offered for an additional fee that is not covered by insurance. “My patients recognize the value of the service I provide, they understand and are more than willing to pay the fee for the Elite VIP obstetrical patient program,” says Dr. Sam.

Her private practice focuses on office procedures, specifically ESSURE, an in-office tubal sterilization that entails no general anesthesia, no incisions, no surgery and no recovery time. Another procedure she performs regularly is Thermachoice Ablation, a modern alternative to the traditional hysterectomy. The 15-minute procedure seals the lining of the uterus, normalizing menstruation or, in some cases, stopping it altogether. Nurse practitioners on staff perform cosmetic procedures such as Botox, microdermabrasion and laser hair removal. “A lot of my patients were going elsewhere to have these procedures done. I thought it would be great to offer them a one-stop shop where they can be taken care of by people they already know and trust,” Dr. Sam says.

Originally from Toronto, Canada, Dr. Sam earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology and English at the University of Toronto and attended medical school at the University of Pennsylvania. She moved to South Florida seven years ago and opened her own practice in 2004. “The most important piece of general advice that I would offer women to optimize their overall health is to educate themselves on the available options and be sure to listen to your inner voice. I have patients that have come to me for a second and third opinion because their doctor told them there was nothing wrong when they were in pain. Always investigate your options; don’t just take the advice of one practitioner or physician.” For more information on Elite Obstetrics and Gynecology, call 954.776.4877 or visit www.eliteobgyn.com.