Enlighten Academic Medicine

About...

Limitations and benefits of a small virtual clinic

Limitations

  • A one-woman show. Because this endeavor is small, I can’t justify hiring employees at this time. This means
    • scheduling through the website
    • emailing with questions or requests, and waiting several days for a response
    • no after-hours on-call provider or answering service
  • Some limitations on medications that I can prescribe virtually
  • Some labs, imaging companies and infusion centers may not take orders from an “outside” physician.
  • An uncertain future–I’ll be here a long as this model is working

So, why would a patient choose this clinic?

  • I spend time with my patients.
  • I explain the entire disease.
  • I make sure you understand.
  • I will get you scheduled in a reasonable amount of time, and will have access for you to come in for follow-up appointments.
  • I give “if-then” guidance on what to do if a situation occurs. You will be empowered with your next steps, even after-hours.
  • I have a great network of medical specialists and researchers throughout Wisconsin and beyond, and can connect you widely to services you need.

About Dr. Pabich

sam and kids backs

Sam Pabich, MD, MPH

Board Certified in 

  • Internal Medicine (ABIM)
  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (ABIM)
  • Obesity Medicine (ABOM)

I love clinical practice, research, and teaching, and thought I had my dream job doing all of these as a faculty member at a major university.

But, I didn’t like business managers making clinical decisions, nor getting only five hours of sleep per night.

So, I gave up my faculty position. I retained some of my teaching and research, and downsized my clinic. With my free time, I  loved being with my husband and children, staging science and athletic events at our elementary, caring for family members, coaching soccer, starting a vegetable garden, and getting a full seven hours of sleep.

However, I missed my patients! I get a lot of fulfillment from helping people understand their health, and improve their wellness. So, as my youngest child enters part-time school, I’m slowly ramping up patient care.

Tell me more about Enlighten Academic Medicine

Enlighten to make sure everyone understands.

Academic because I don’t prescribe snake oil or TikTok trends. I work with my patients to develop safe and effective plans supported by research or medical literature.  I may have medical students, residents, or fellows in the clinic. Hopefully,  one day, I’ll also be able to offer participation in research trials.

Medicine because although I do mostly endocrinology, I do some things that fall under general medicine too.  And maybe one day, I will expand to include other specialities!