Dr. Clarissa Lam, MD

Dr. Clarissa Lam, MD is an Obstetrics and Gynecology specialist practicing at her clinic in Tampa, FL. As a trusted partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Lam understands that your OB/GYN is your primary partner in preventive health, collaborating with you to create a long-term wellness plan, coordinate essential screenings, and manage your overall health, ensuring you thrive for years to come. She serves all ages of women, from adolescence through menopause and beyond. Please call (813) 259-8876 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Clarissa Lam, MD is an obstetrician gynecologist in Tampa, FL, affiliated with Moffitt Cancer Center Magnolia Campus. Her approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She is committed to providing the highest quality of care, recognizing the importance of preventive measures in maintaining optimal well-being. Dr. Clarissa Lam provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Clarissa Lam is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Clarissa Lam can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Clarissa Lam provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Breast Cancer: Understanding your family history and risk factors for breast cancer empowers you to make informed decisions about preventative measures and screenings.
• Breast Lump: Finding a breast lump early can significantly improve treatment outcomes and your chances of a full recovery, making regular self-exams and mammograms crucial parts of preventive breast health.
• Pregestational Diabetes Mellitus: Having diabetes before getting pregnant increases risks for both you and your baby, so getting checked and managing your blood sugar is crucial for a healthy pregnancy.
• Excessive Menstrual Bleeding: Don't ignore excessively heavy bleeding – early detection and treatment can prevent long-term health problems and improve your quality of life.
• Pap Smear Abnormalities: Detecting abnormalities in a Pap smear allows for early intervention, potentially preventing the development of more serious health problems and complications.
• Maternal Anemia: Regular blood tests and dietary adjustments can help prevent maternal anemia, a condition that can significantly impact your pregnancy's health and your baby's development.
• Blood Disorders in Pregnancy: Preventing complications during pregnancy involves proactively addressing blood disorders through regular monitoring and appropriate treatment.
• Ovarian Cancer: Regular checkups and screenings can help detect ovarian cancer early, when treatment is most effective, significantly improving your chances of a positive outcome.
• Hypertension: Even if you feel fine, hypertension often has no symptoms. Regular blood pressure checks are essential for early detection and proactive management.
• Menopausal and Postmenopausal Disorders: Early identification and treatment of menopausal disorders, such as bone loss or cardiovascular issues, through preventative screenings and lifestyle adjustments are crucial for maintaining your health.
• Vulvovaginal Rhabdomyosarcoma: Regular gynecological exams are vital for early detection of vulvovaginal rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare cancer affecting the vaginal and vulvar areas, allowing for timely intervention and improved chances of recovery.
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Understanding your risk factors for PCOS and taking proactive steps towards its management can significantly improve your long-term health and reproductive outcomes.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Clarissa Lam offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Obstetric Ultrasound: By getting regular obstetric ultrasounds, you can actively participate in your baby's healthcare journey, helping to identify potential issues early and improve the chances of a healthy outcome.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections Screening: Early detection is crucial for managing STIs. Regular screenings empower you to make informed decisions about your reproductive health.
• Genetic Screening for Breast Cancer: Proactively assess your breast cancer risk with genetic screening, which can detect inherited gene mutations that significantly raise your likelihood of developing the disease.
• Hysteroscopy: As a proactive step for women's health, a hysteroscopy provides a detailed view of your uterine lining, facilitating early diagnosis of conditions that may affect fertility or overall wellness.
• First Trimester Screening: Empower yourself with knowledge: first trimester screening provides valuable information about your baby's health, enabling you to make informed decisions throughout your pregnancy.
• Fetal Ultrasound: Protect your baby's health by scheduling regular fetal ultrasounds; this important screening tool helps identify potential issues early on, optimizing your chances of a successful pregnancy.
• Pregnancy Non-Stress Test: Taking proactive steps for a healthy pregnancy, a non-stress test allows doctors to check your baby's wellbeing and react to any potential issues.
• Chlamydia Infection Screening: Take charge of your sexual health with a chlamydia screening—an important step in preventing complications like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility.
• HIV Screening: Take charge of your health by getting an HIV test – it's a simple screening that can detect the virus early, allowing for prompt treatment and a healthier future.
• Destruction or Excision of Lesion of Cervix (incl. LEEP): A preventative measure, this procedure targets and removes areas of abnormal cells on your cervix to avoid future health complications.
• Vulvectomy: A vulvectomy is a surgical procedure that helps remove abnormal tissue on the vulva, which may be a necessary step in preventing or treating certain conditions.
• Pap Smear: Protect your future with a Pap smear: this proactive screening helps detect cervical cancer early, when it's most treatable.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Obstetrics and Gynecology in Florida.

Dr. Clarissa Lam is dedicated to partnering with women and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Woman's life:

• Knowing her family history, a woman proactively discussed screening options with her healthcare provider, leading to a personalized plan that reduced her risk and brought her peace of mind.
• By diligently performing regular self-exams and adhering to recommended mammogram schedules, a patient proactively identified a breast lump early, enabling swift intervention and a positive outcome. This experience underscored the importance of early detection in breast health management.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Obstetrics and Gynecology care with Dr. Clarissa Lam:

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Clarissa Lam?

Your first visit with Dr. Lam is a collaborative partnership-building session. We will review your detailed health history, discuss your health goals and concerns, and create a personalized plan for future screenings. This is a safe and confidential space to ask any questions you may have.

How often do I need a Pap smear and HPV test?

Guidelines for Pap smears and HPV tests vary based on age and risk factors, but the goal is early detection of potential cervical changes. Dr. Lam follows the latest evidence-based recommendations and will create a personalized screening schedule for you.

What kind of topics should I bring up during my annual wellness exam?

During your annual wellness exam, feel free to discuss any topic related to your reproductive health, including your menstrual cycle, sexual health concerns, contraceptive needs, future pregnancy plans, and any changes in your breast or pelvic health. We encourage open communication and proactive discussion; no question is off-limits.

What are my options for birth control?

Dr. Lam offers many safe and effective birth control options, including hormonal methods like pills and IUDs, as well as non-hormonal choices. The best method is a personal decision, and Dr. Lam will discuss your lifestyle, health history, and preferences to find the ideal fit for you.

Are painful periods normal?

While mild cramping can be normal, severe, debilitating pain is not. It could be a sign of an underlying condition like endometriosis or fibroids. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Clarissa Lam so you don't have to suffer in silence.

Does Dr. Clarissa Lam manage high-risk pregnancies?

Dr. Lam's practice manages high-risk pregnancies, encompassing those with advanced maternal age, multiple gestations, or pre-existing health conditions. We work closely with Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialists to provide comprehensive care and ensure the best possible outcomes for all expectant mothers.

I'm thinking about getting pregnant. What should I do to prepare?

Preparing for pregnancy is an excellent proactive step. A preconception counseling visit with Dr. Lam can help discuss lifestyle factors, recommend starting folic acid, review current medications, and consider genetic carrier screening. Dr. Lam is happy to partner with you in optimizing your health for a future pregnancy.

I have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. What does that mean for me?

A family history of breast or ovarian cancer is important. It may mean you need to start screenings earlier or consider genetic testing, such as for BRCA genes. Dr. Lam can help assess your risk and create a proactive, personalized surveillance plan.

17 Davis Blvd Ste 308
Tampa FL 33606
Phone: (813) 259-8876

Dr. Clarissa Lam, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1588169155

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Obstetrics and Gynecology like Dr. Clarissa Lam are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your obstetrics and gynecology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.