Meet Our Doctor: Primary Care Physician Sophie Alesna-Sabang
In this episode, Dr. Sophie Alesna-Sabang tells us about her medical education background, her physician/patient care philosophy, and why she chose to practice at Crouse Medical.
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Learn more about Sophie Alesna-Sabang, MD
Sophie Alesna-Sabang, MD
Sophie Alesna-Sabang, MD is a Family Medicine Physician at Crouse Medical Practice - Primary Care.Learn more about Sophie Alesna-Sabang, MD
Transcription:
Meet Our Doctor: Primary Care Physician Sophie Alesna-Sabang
Amanda Wilde (Host): Having a family doctor is really important when you're sick and when you're well. A family doctor specializes in general medicine and can be your best partner in maintaining your health and wellbeing. Today, we'll meet Dr. Sophie Alesna-Sabang, Family Medicine Physician at Crouse Medical Practice Primary Care. Welcome to Crouse HealthCast, a podcast brought to you by Crouse Health. I'm Amanda Wilde. Dr. Alesna-Sabang, thank you for being here. Out of all the medical specialties, what drew you to become a family practice physician?
Sophie Alesna-Sabang, MD (Guest): Hi, thanks for having me. So I wanted to be a family med doc because in the Philippines where I did my medical school, we used to do a lot of outreach, like health outreaches, is where it would be packed into a van with medicines and doctors, and you go to like islands and then where they've had like earthquakes and hurricanes.
So I've seen that family doctors always were able to help the most. So, they were able to help the pregnant population, the little babies, the elderlies, and they were even able to do on the spot, minor surgeries if they needed to. So I thought that would be the best way for me to help the most people.
Host: There's a lot that a family practice doctor does that other doctors don't do. You just described a whole variety of practices that you need to know. And so you earned your medical degree in the Philippines. Why did you choose Crouse medical practice as a place to work?
Dr. Alesna-Sabang: I chose Crouse for a lot of reasons, actually, but the most important one I think, was the people that work in Crouse. When I interviewed, I met everybody. They really made an impression on me that, I felt they were really helpful. Everybody had a good just an energy to helping each other out. I also thought that the administration and everybody in charge was easy to talk to.
It felt like they were on top of everything and it was a well-oiled machine. And as somebody working in an organization, I think that's very comforting. Everybody probably can attest to that, but if you're working somewhere and you're not sure and somebody is there to help you, I think it just makes for a really good work environment.
Host: You're describing an organization that is truly organized and also compassionate. What is your patient care philosophy?
Dr. Alesna-Sabang: My patient care philosophy really lies on clear communication and health education. I feel that everybody should always know what's happening to them in a clear manner. And be able to know why they're taking and what they're taking into their bodies. I believe that everybody has a Google now, so everybody can just search anything that they feel that it's good for them. And sometimes, just take internet's word for it. I feel that my role is to clarify those things for them. Let them know, where they lie in, where the Google search is. So I also feel that, everybody should have the right to just choose where they want, what they want to do with their health.
So my role in that is to tell you, give you information, give you choices and give you the risks, if you don't want to do something that we recommend. So I support my patients in whatever the decision may be, as long as they have all the information that they need.
Host: As a family practice, doc, is your focus more on preventative care or on disease care?
Dr. Alesna-Sabang: I see myself as really focused on preventative care. I think that's where our strength lies as primary physicians, but that also translates into disease care when our primary goal of preventing the disease didn't work, then of course we go to the disease care. Since we are primary, we do refer to specialists when we need help in that situation. But, I really see myself as a good preventative care type of doctor.
Host: And does that mean like a primary care physician? Is that term interchangeable with family physician?
Dr. Alesna-Sabang: So there's multiple types. So, as a primary care, you're the first line and that's why it's called primary care. However, a family physician is different from an internal med physician, which only takes care of adults. They can also do primary care, but only in adult population, the family med, we can do, you know, the pregnant population and the pediatricians. Like pediatricians, we can do the babies as well. However, here in our practice where I am located, we only do adults right now. So, but in my previous practice, I was able to take care of the whole spectrum.
Host: And you do have all those tools in your toolbox for future, also. What do you tell your patients who ask what they can be doing in terms of preventative care, like to live a longer life or to feel more vibrant and healthy?
Dr. Alesna-Sabang: There's actually a lot of things you need to do to feel healthy and live a long life. But I think that a good way to start would be to really think about treating your body well. So that means, eating the right food, not smoking and most importantly, and usually underrated, getting a good night's sleep.
So, everybody is not sleeping very well right now. And that means that it's increasing your risk for a lot of diseases, like heart disease and dementia. And if you're not sleeping well, like you're sleeping a long time, but you're not sleeping well, that can also increase the risk for other types of diseases. It can also affect your mental health, make you gain weight. So again, it's underrated, but I think, getting a good night's sleep it's a big, important part of life. Part of treating your body well, also means just getting a little bit of exercise every day, just get your body and heart moving.
Host: So getting a lot of sleep or the adequate amount of sleep and exercise is just going to make you less vulnerable to having other problems in the first place.
Dr. Alesna-Sabang: Yes.
Host: Now, you were saying that people aren't getting a lot of sleep lately, has COVID impacted or changed the way you practice medicine or the way you approach patients?
Dr. Alesna-Sabang: Yeah. So COVID really changed a lot in medicine. I mean, just the sleep part of it. Everybody has been just increased anxiety in the population and we've seen a lot of anxiety and depression being indoors. And because they were not able to visit, especially in the beginning of COVID they couldn't visit their primary care physician, then that just kind of increases their mood instability and then also increases their problems in terms of their other health, like their blood pressure and diabetes and everything. So once we were able to be able to see everybody, in the Telemed, like a video conference call or a telephone call, I think that really helped everybody out. So before COVID that wasn't really a big thing here in the east Northeast, at least the telemedicine or telephone visits. But once that set up, I think that really improved everybody's outcome during the COVID.
Host: So that can be really effective, but there are times you probably need to see people in person. Is that right?
Dr. Alesna-Sabang: Definitely. So, if there is something that you want to touch or you need to hear, right. The video calls won't work. So during those times that we couldn't see the people in person and they feel like there's something in their lungs and we need to hear, but we couldn't see them in the clinic, then they needed to go to the ER. Now we have a really good protocol in being able to like test patients. And then if they're negative we'll be able to like see them in person and still hear their heart and lungs.
Host: I noticed when I've gone to a family practice physician, they usually know a lot about all these general medicines. And so you might have an easier diagnosis than if you go to the emergency room where the docs are focused on only emergencies. Do you find you're relying on your instinct and experience as I've found with family docs, that kind of like, I know what this is, or I've seen this before, or I don't know what this is, but I have a feeling it's this, based on my background. Does that happen for you?
Dr. Alesna-Sabang: It really does come with experience. Right. I'm only starting in terms of practicing. So I've practiced for two and a half years now, after I finished residency. So I have that experience, but I can't compare my experience to somebody who has been practicing, 20, 30 years.
However, I do try to keep myself updated in all of the new articles and research so that I know what is the up to date medications and recommendations So, I do know that I have really good colleagues here that if ever something does stump me, I do tell my patients that is something I would need to look into. And then that's what I do for them. I mean, I don't want them to just search on their own. I'm here to help them kind of look into things that if I don't know, I let them know, but I do let them know that I also help them look for the answers that they need.
Host: Oh, so if you don't know something, you help find the solution, which is really important in a family care doctor. You don't find that with all the specialists. So what is important to keep in mind when choosing a family care doctor?
Dr. Alesna-Sabang: I think it's important to be able to talk to that person. So if it's somebody you feel like you can't talk to about your problems and that you have to hide things so they don't get mad at you, then that's not the person for you. It should be somebody that you can talk to, feel like you're being listened to. And somebody who will work with you in the things that you want to do for your health.
Host: So a family doctor really is an essential partner in negotiating the medical system and finding solutions.
Dr. Alesna-Sabang: Definitely. We're the primary care. We are the first stop and all the patient comes to us for answers first. So, you know, we'll have some of the answers, if not all, but again, we'll help you find everything that you need to know. And it's not, again, we'll have people to help us help you.
Host: We were talking a little earlier about getting enough sleep, getting enough exercise and just all those things that sort of balance out a life. So just curious, what do you enjoy doing when you're not practicing medicine? Not taking care of patients?
Dr. Alesna-Sabang: I do like to do a lot of variety things. For outdoor things, me and my partner, we do tennis. We do hikes and cross country skiing. And of course, like everybody, I have my lazy days and those days I, watch foreign films, foreign animation films. And that really also relaxes you and gives you like a good day of relaxation other than just exercise.
Host: Yeah. So that's really living by example, your patients can really watch you to see that you get a proper amount of exercise, proper amount of sleep, and a proper amount of relaxation. Well, thank you so much for filling us in on what it is to be a family care physician. I really appreciate your time.
Dr. Alesna-Sabang: Thank you for having me.
Host: And thank you for listening to Crouse HealthCast. To make an appointment, call 315-479-5070. Or visit crousemed.com. If you found this podcast helpful, please do share it on social media. This is Crouse HealthCast, a podcast brought to you by Crouse Health. I'm Amanda Wilde. Be well.
Meet Our Doctor: Primary Care Physician Sophie Alesna-Sabang
Amanda Wilde (Host): Having a family doctor is really important when you're sick and when you're well. A family doctor specializes in general medicine and can be your best partner in maintaining your health and wellbeing. Today, we'll meet Dr. Sophie Alesna-Sabang, Family Medicine Physician at Crouse Medical Practice Primary Care. Welcome to Crouse HealthCast, a podcast brought to you by Crouse Health. I'm Amanda Wilde. Dr. Alesna-Sabang, thank you for being here. Out of all the medical specialties, what drew you to become a family practice physician?
Sophie Alesna-Sabang, MD (Guest): Hi, thanks for having me. So I wanted to be a family med doc because in the Philippines where I did my medical school, we used to do a lot of outreach, like health outreaches, is where it would be packed into a van with medicines and doctors, and you go to like islands and then where they've had like earthquakes and hurricanes.
So I've seen that family doctors always were able to help the most. So, they were able to help the pregnant population, the little babies, the elderlies, and they were even able to do on the spot, minor surgeries if they needed to. So I thought that would be the best way for me to help the most people.
Host: There's a lot that a family practice doctor does that other doctors don't do. You just described a whole variety of practices that you need to know. And so you earned your medical degree in the Philippines. Why did you choose Crouse medical practice as a place to work?
Dr. Alesna-Sabang: I chose Crouse for a lot of reasons, actually, but the most important one I think, was the people that work in Crouse. When I interviewed, I met everybody. They really made an impression on me that, I felt they were really helpful. Everybody had a good just an energy to helping each other out. I also thought that the administration and everybody in charge was easy to talk to.
It felt like they were on top of everything and it was a well-oiled machine. And as somebody working in an organization, I think that's very comforting. Everybody probably can attest to that, but if you're working somewhere and you're not sure and somebody is there to help you, I think it just makes for a really good work environment.
Host: You're describing an organization that is truly organized and also compassionate. What is your patient care philosophy?
Dr. Alesna-Sabang: My patient care philosophy really lies on clear communication and health education. I feel that everybody should always know what's happening to them in a clear manner. And be able to know why they're taking and what they're taking into their bodies. I believe that everybody has a Google now, so everybody can just search anything that they feel that it's good for them. And sometimes, just take internet's word for it. I feel that my role is to clarify those things for them. Let them know, where they lie in, where the Google search is. So I also feel that, everybody should have the right to just choose where they want, what they want to do with their health.
So my role in that is to tell you, give you information, give you choices and give you the risks, if you don't want to do something that we recommend. So I support my patients in whatever the decision may be, as long as they have all the information that they need.
Host: As a family practice, doc, is your focus more on preventative care or on disease care?
Dr. Alesna-Sabang: I see myself as really focused on preventative care. I think that's where our strength lies as primary physicians, but that also translates into disease care when our primary goal of preventing the disease didn't work, then of course we go to the disease care. Since we are primary, we do refer to specialists when we need help in that situation. But, I really see myself as a good preventative care type of doctor.
Host: And does that mean like a primary care physician? Is that term interchangeable with family physician?
Dr. Alesna-Sabang: So there's multiple types. So, as a primary care, you're the first line and that's why it's called primary care. However, a family physician is different from an internal med physician, which only takes care of adults. They can also do primary care, but only in adult population, the family med, we can do, you know, the pregnant population and the pediatricians. Like pediatricians, we can do the babies as well. However, here in our practice where I am located, we only do adults right now. So, but in my previous practice, I was able to take care of the whole spectrum.
Host: And you do have all those tools in your toolbox for future, also. What do you tell your patients who ask what they can be doing in terms of preventative care, like to live a longer life or to feel more vibrant and healthy?
Dr. Alesna-Sabang: There's actually a lot of things you need to do to feel healthy and live a long life. But I think that a good way to start would be to really think about treating your body well. So that means, eating the right food, not smoking and most importantly, and usually underrated, getting a good night's sleep.
So, everybody is not sleeping very well right now. And that means that it's increasing your risk for a lot of diseases, like heart disease and dementia. And if you're not sleeping well, like you're sleeping a long time, but you're not sleeping well, that can also increase the risk for other types of diseases. It can also affect your mental health, make you gain weight. So again, it's underrated, but I think, getting a good night's sleep it's a big, important part of life. Part of treating your body well, also means just getting a little bit of exercise every day, just get your body and heart moving.
Host: So getting a lot of sleep or the adequate amount of sleep and exercise is just going to make you less vulnerable to having other problems in the first place.
Dr. Alesna-Sabang: Yes.
Host: Now, you were saying that people aren't getting a lot of sleep lately, has COVID impacted or changed the way you practice medicine or the way you approach patients?
Dr. Alesna-Sabang: Yeah. So COVID really changed a lot in medicine. I mean, just the sleep part of it. Everybody has been just increased anxiety in the population and we've seen a lot of anxiety and depression being indoors. And because they were not able to visit, especially in the beginning of COVID they couldn't visit their primary care physician, then that just kind of increases their mood instability and then also increases their problems in terms of their other health, like their blood pressure and diabetes and everything. So once we were able to be able to see everybody, in the Telemed, like a video conference call or a telephone call, I think that really helped everybody out. So before COVID that wasn't really a big thing here in the east Northeast, at least the telemedicine or telephone visits. But once that set up, I think that really improved everybody's outcome during the COVID.
Host: So that can be really effective, but there are times you probably need to see people in person. Is that right?
Dr. Alesna-Sabang: Definitely. So, if there is something that you want to touch or you need to hear, right. The video calls won't work. So during those times that we couldn't see the people in person and they feel like there's something in their lungs and we need to hear, but we couldn't see them in the clinic, then they needed to go to the ER. Now we have a really good protocol in being able to like test patients. And then if they're negative we'll be able to like see them in person and still hear their heart and lungs.
Host: I noticed when I've gone to a family practice physician, they usually know a lot about all these general medicines. And so you might have an easier diagnosis than if you go to the emergency room where the docs are focused on only emergencies. Do you find you're relying on your instinct and experience as I've found with family docs, that kind of like, I know what this is, or I've seen this before, or I don't know what this is, but I have a feeling it's this, based on my background. Does that happen for you?
Dr. Alesna-Sabang: It really does come with experience. Right. I'm only starting in terms of practicing. So I've practiced for two and a half years now, after I finished residency. So I have that experience, but I can't compare my experience to somebody who has been practicing, 20, 30 years.
However, I do try to keep myself updated in all of the new articles and research so that I know what is the up to date medications and recommendations So, I do know that I have really good colleagues here that if ever something does stump me, I do tell my patients that is something I would need to look into. And then that's what I do for them. I mean, I don't want them to just search on their own. I'm here to help them kind of look into things that if I don't know, I let them know, but I do let them know that I also help them look for the answers that they need.
Host: Oh, so if you don't know something, you help find the solution, which is really important in a family care doctor. You don't find that with all the specialists. So what is important to keep in mind when choosing a family care doctor?
Dr. Alesna-Sabang: I think it's important to be able to talk to that person. So if it's somebody you feel like you can't talk to about your problems and that you have to hide things so they don't get mad at you, then that's not the person for you. It should be somebody that you can talk to, feel like you're being listened to. And somebody who will work with you in the things that you want to do for your health.
Host: So a family doctor really is an essential partner in negotiating the medical system and finding solutions.
Dr. Alesna-Sabang: Definitely. We're the primary care. We are the first stop and all the patient comes to us for answers first. So, you know, we'll have some of the answers, if not all, but again, we'll help you find everything that you need to know. And it's not, again, we'll have people to help us help you.
Host: We were talking a little earlier about getting enough sleep, getting enough exercise and just all those things that sort of balance out a life. So just curious, what do you enjoy doing when you're not practicing medicine? Not taking care of patients?
Dr. Alesna-Sabang: I do like to do a lot of variety things. For outdoor things, me and my partner, we do tennis. We do hikes and cross country skiing. And of course, like everybody, I have my lazy days and those days I, watch foreign films, foreign animation films. And that really also relaxes you and gives you like a good day of relaxation other than just exercise.
Host: Yeah. So that's really living by example, your patients can really watch you to see that you get a proper amount of exercise, proper amount of sleep, and a proper amount of relaxation. Well, thank you so much for filling us in on what it is to be a family care physician. I really appreciate your time.
Dr. Alesna-Sabang: Thank you for having me.
Host: And thank you for listening to Crouse HealthCast. To make an appointment, call 315-479-5070. Or visit crousemed.com. If you found this podcast helpful, please do share it on social media. This is Crouse HealthCast, a podcast brought to you by Crouse Health. I'm Amanda Wilde. Be well.