Dr. Sam’s Journey to Patient-Centered Care
From an early age, I knew that medicine was more than a career choice for me—it was a calling. Having a Vascular Surgeon as a Father and a Pediatrician as a Mother, medicine was my pathway and compassion was my core; it was second nature. The ability to make a difference in someone’s life, to provide care that goes beyond just a prescription or a diagnosis, has always driven my passion. I became a physician to build meaningful relationships with my patients, to be there in their moments of vulnerability, and to guide them toward better health. But as I moved deeper into the world of traditional, insurance-driven healthcare, I found that this vision of patient care was becoming increasingly difficult to achieve. The constraints of insurance and the demands of a fast-paced system began to chip away at the very heart of why I entered medicine in the first place.
As I progressed through my career in traditional healthcare, the gap between the care I wanted to provide and the care the system allowed me to give only grew wider. The constant demands of insurance companies, rushed appointments, and limited face-to-face time with patients became increasingly frustrating. I realized that, despite my best efforts, the system was preventing me from practicing the kind of medicine that truly mattered to me—medicine that prioritizes the patient over paperwork. It was this growing discontent that led me to discover Direct Primary Care, a model that realigns healthcare with its original purpose: nurturing genuine doctor-patient relationships and providing personalized, comprehensive care.
Medical Background and Qualifications
Education
I continued my academic journey at the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, where I earned my Master of Science in Public Health. 
This program deepened my understanding of public health issues and provided me with a broader perspective on patient care, particularly in underserved populations. I then earned my Medical Degree from LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans, where I developed a comprehensive understanding of the medical field, equipping me to handle the complex needs of my future patients.
Residency and Early Career
After completing medical school, I joined the Ochsner Kenner Family Medicine Residency program, where I was immersed in a rigorous training environment that prepared me to manage a wide variety of patient cases. During my years of residency, I developed a solid foundation in family medicine, honing my skills in diagnostics, patient communication, and holistic care. I then had the unique opportunity to work in Acute Medicine at University Hospital Limerick in Ireland, where I broadened my experience by managing complex and urgent medical conditions. This international experience sharpened my clinical acumen and provided me with invaluable insights into the global health landscape.
Expertise and Passion Areas
Throughout my career, I have cultivated a diverse range of medical expertise, with a particular passion for women’s health and wellness. I have dedicated myself to providing comprehensive care to women at all stages of life, from routine exams and PAP smears to menopausal and hormonal management. In addition to women’s health, I am skilled in wound care management, treating complex wounds with the latest techniques to promote healing and recovery. Chronic disease management has also been a central focus of my practice, as I work with patients to develop personalized plans for managing diabetes, asthma, hypertension, depression, and other chronic conditions.
Additionally, I have performed a variety of minor surgeries and procedures, such as ingrown toenail surgery, abscess drainage, skin biopsies, and cryotherapy for warts. These skills allow me to address my patients’ needs in-office, providing convenient, high-quality care without unnecessary referrals.
Private Practice: Launching Suleman Primary Care LLC
In 2021, I made the decision to take a bold step in my medical career by launching Suleman Primary Care LLC. This private practice represented more than just a 
professional milestone—it was a realization of my vision to create a space where patient care could be delivered without compromise. Starting and running my own practice brought with it a host of challenges. From navigating the administrative complexities of insurance billing to building a patient base from the ground up, I quickly learned the intricacies of managing a medical practice. Yet, the rewards far outweighed the difficulties. Establishing Suleman Primary Care allowed me to have complete control over the care I provided, empowering me to create an environment where patients felt heard, valued, and supported.
The freedom that came with private practice was a breath of fresh air. I was able to shape my practice around the needs of my patients, offering longer appointment times, same-day visits, and a more personalized approach to their health. While it required a significant investment of time and effort, Suleman Primary Care became a practice that truly reflected my dedication to quality patient care.
Patient Care Philosophy
At the heart of my practice has always been a patient-centered philosophy. From day one, I set out to build personal relationships with each of my patients, understanding that healthcare is not a one-size-fits-all model. Every patient who walks through my doors is treated as an individual with unique concerns, goals, and circumstances. I’ve always believed that high-quality care stems from these meaningful connections, where patients feel comfortable discussing their health openly and honestly.
One of the key elements of my approach has been accessibility. Whether it’s through extended appointment times, easy scheduling, or simply being available when my patients need me, I have prioritized making healthcare convenient and stress-free. My practice was built on the principle that patients should not feel rushed through appointments or limited by insurance restrictions. By focusing on individualized care, I’ve been able to deliver the high standard of service that my patients deserve, and I’ve seen firsthand how this approach leads to better health outcomes and a stronger doctor-patient relationship.
Bar chart showing health insurance profit increases in 2009: Wellpoint 90.5%, Cigna 346%, Humana 60.7%, United Health 28.2%, despite membership declines for some companies.
Why Direct Primary Care Was the Right Choice for Me
Challenges with Traditional Healthcare
As I delved deeper into traditional healthcare, the cracks in the system became more and more apparent. Working within an insurance-based model often meant that the care I could provide was constrained by the limits of insurance coverage. Time was always in short supply, as the demands of seeing a high volume of patients left little room for truly getting to know each individual. Appointments became shorter, more transactional, and focused on meeting administrative requirements rather than addressing the full scope of a patient’s health needs. The overwhelming paperwork, prior authorizations, and insurance dictating what tests or treatments could be done created barriers to the kind of personalized care I had always envisioned. It was disheartening to feel that my medical decisions were being influenced by bureaucratic forces rather than what was best for my patients.
A Desire for a Better Relationship with Patients
What I longed for most was the opportunity to reconnect with the core values of medicine—the doctor-patient relationship. I wanted to have more time to spend with my patients, to listen deeply to their concerns, and to provide care that was comprehensive and not rushed by time constraints or paperwork. I sought a model where I could focus on preventive care, wellness, and chronic disease management without the pressure of meeting insurance quotas or jumping through administrative hoops. Direct Primary Care (DPC) became the answer I was looking for—a system that would allow me to spend more time with each patient, to focus on their unique health goals, and to work together with them in a partnership of care.
The Benefits of Direct Primary Care
The shift to Direct Primary Care (DPC) was transformational for both my practice and my patients. DPC provided me with the flexibility to offer longer appointments and to be more accessible to my patients, whether through same-day visits or direct communication via phone or email. The transparent pricing structure meant that my patients were never surprised by hidden costs, and the absence of third-party interference allowed me to provide truly patient-centered care. This model empowered me to focus on wellness and prevention, to manage chronic conditions more effectively, and to personalize each patient’s care plan based on their individual needs, not what insurance would approve.
Perhaps most rewarding of all was the ability to reclaim the joy of practicing medicine. I could finally spend the time needed to build strong, trusting relationships with my patients, helping them feel seen, heard, and valued. By removing the barriers of traditional healthcare, I found that I could return to the very reason I became a doctor in the first place—to provide compassionate, personalized care that truly makes a difference in the lives of my patients.
The Future of Patient Care
My Vision for Direct Primary Care
As I look toward the future of healthcare, I firmly believe that Direct Primary Care (DPC) will play a pivotal role in reshaping the way patients experience medical care. At Infinity Health, my vision is to continue expanding the DPC model to offer a healthcare experience that prioritizes patient relationships, preventive care, and wellness over reactive, transactional treatment. I envision a future where more physicians embrace this approach, providing patients with the care they deserve—care that is comprehensive, compassionate, and free from the constraints imposed by third-party payers.
DPC offers a return to the heart of medicine by giving patients more time with their physicians, increased access to care, and the freedom to manage their health proactively. My hope is that this model will inspire a broader movement within the healthcare industry, one that puts patients and physicians back at the center of decision-making. At Infinity Health, we are building a practice where patients feel empowered, supported, and confident that their health is in trusted hands.
Why It’s Important
In today’s fast-paced healthcare environment, where patients often feel like just another number, the DPC model is a breath of fresh air. For patients who want more direct access to their physician, same-day visits, and the opportunity to develop a meaningful relationship with their doctor, DPC is the solution. It removes the red tape of insurance, allowing patients to receive timely, personalized care without worrying about deductibles, co-pays, or unexpected bills.
The importance of DPC lies in its ability to meet patients where they are. Whether it’s managing a chronic condition, addressing an urgent concern, or simply staying on top of preventive health measures, patients benefit from a care model that adapts to their needs rather than fitting them into a pre-set system. This model is particularly valuable for those who appreciate having easy access to their physician, the comfort of longer appointment times, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing their care is driven by what is best for them—not by insurance limitations. Direct Primary Care is not just about treating illness; it’s about fostering long-term health and wellness in a way that makes sense for today’s patients.
An Invitation to Connect
At the core of my medical practice is an unwavering commitment to patient-centered care—care that is compassionate, individualized, and built on meaningful relationships between physician and patient. My transition to Direct Primary Care (DPC) was fueled by a deep desire to return to the essence of medicine: listening to patients, understanding their unique needs, and providing personalized care without the interference of insurance companies. Infinity Health allows me to devote the time and attention each patient deserves, fostering trust and prioritizing health and wellness in a way that truly makes a difference in their lives. The DPC model reflects my belief that medicine should always be about the patient, first and foremost.
If you are curious to learn more about Direct Primary Care and how it can benefit you or your loved ones, I would love the opportunity to meet with you. Whether you’re interested in discussing your healthcare needs or simply want to explore how this model works, I am here to listen and provide guidance. I am available for consultations, and I look forward to building lasting relationships that are based on trust, communication, and a shared commitment to your health. At Infinity Health, we believe that healthcare should be personalized, accessible, and empowering—and I am excited to share that journey with you.
