Dr Sam Sabary FRANZCOG, MBchB
Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
Infertility specialist (Monash IVF) and Robotic surgeon
Hello, I’m Dr Sam Sabary, I am an Obstetrician Gynaecologist practising in Geelong.
My journey in obstetrics, gynaecology, IVF and laparoscopy / robotic surgery began over 20 years ago when I graduated from Baghdad University. After completing my internship at Baghdad Hospital, I arrived in Australia where I commenced working in General and Emergency Medicine before commencing my first senior residency post in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Ballarat Hospital.
I began formal training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Logan Hospital (QLD), Mater Hospital for Women (QLD) and Rockhampton Hospital (QLD). I then returned to Victoria to complete my final two years of training at Sandringham Hospital in Melbourne under the guidance of Associate Professor Peter Lutjen who introduced me to IVF. I have since completed intensive training in IVF with Professor Gab Kovacs and further instilled in me a strong commitment to IVF and to assisting couples experiencing infertility.
In my desire to continually expand my knowledge and skills in obstetrics and gynaecology, I completed an accreditation course in the United States in 2017 qualifying me to use da Vinci robotic technology. As one of the few qualified gynaecologists in Australia (and only one in regional Australia) to have successfully completed this course, I now regularly use this state-of-the-art robotic technology to successfully complete many single-site surgeries.
Learn more about Dr Sam Sabary and why he is an excellent choice for your pregnancy care.
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The obstetric part of the speciality was the start of my inspiration. Whilst studying and later working as an OB/GNY intern in Iraq, I felt very happy and satisified. I believe I found myself in the work I was doing. The reward of helping a couple to become parents is a truly unimaginable experience for which I am very thankful.
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The IVF part of my speciality is the most emotional and highly sensitive part of my work. I feel that infertility is an extremely personal, emotional and very pressurising issue for any couple. Having the skills to help such couples gives me a sense of reward and satisfaction that outweighs all the physical and mental fatigue I experience as part of the work.
For me, helping a couple to not only achieve pregnancy through IVF, but then be part of their journey all the way through to the successful delivery of their baby is one of the most profound experiences imaginable. The special moment of delivery can be very emotional indeed.
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I chose to specialise in parental assisted caesarian because I believe it is important that every woman has the opportunity to achieve skin to skin contact with their baby at the moment of birth. Such an opportunity has physiological benefits in initiating breastfeeding, and it has wellbeing and emotional benefits in helping establish the bond between mother and baby whilst easing post natal blues and depression.
During a natural birth, this initial contact is usual as the baby is placed in the mother’s abdomen. However, during a more traditional caesarian, the mother does not get to experience that initial and very important contact. I introduced to Geelong the practice of maternal assisted caesar so every woman, regardless of which birthing option eventuates, has the opportunity to that first and crucial skin to skin contact with her baby.
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Firstly, SJOG hospital has a historical connection to Geelong in that it has been serving the community for more than 50 years. This makes it a trusted community partner that I know all patients find important. Secondly, I found the experience of the broader medical staff and team of midwives to be outstanding. Thirdly, SJOG has a very strong commitment to safe medical care which is why I admit my private patients to SJOG. Finally, all the equipment that is needed for advanced medical practice (like Robotic surgery – which SJOG was the first in Geelong to adopt) is always available. This means all of my patients can recieve the care they need when they need it.
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Keeping up to date with the latest knowledge and techniques is essential so I regularly attend conferences and workshops. Not only am I accredited to practice laparoscopy and robotic surgery, I am also licensed to train and supervise other specialists to give them the ticket to operate robotically.
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Monash IVF is a global pioneer in IVF science. I am one of a team of registered IVF fertility specialists at Monash IVF. By being part of the Monash IVF team I am able to use their facilities and work with other highly skilled specialists on treatment approaches and new ways of getting the best results. By being part of a team with access to world leading facilities and labs, I am able to continue building my knowledge and provide you with the best possible care I can.
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As an OB/GYN, the most important qualities in a relationship are honesty, commitment, open disclosure (if adverse outcomes occur) and professionalism.
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The fields of IVF, Laparoscopy and Robotic Surgery are complex and ever evolving in terms of knowledge and techniques so keeping up to date is very challenging. Because I see this as a very important part of making sure all my patients receive the best level of care available, I prioritise attending conferences and reading all that I can when I can.
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Each patient is different in their needs so my approach will be based on their current circumstances and changing health requirements as they progress from prenatal to antenatal. In all appointments, my team and I will monitor the health of the mother and child and assess appropriate courses of action as needed.
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I would strongly encourage all my couples (if they can) to start and finish having their family as young as they can.
