International trainees learning from Nossal experts
The Nossal Institute for Global Public Health is home to many experts in Global Health. It is of no surprise, the Institute is in high demand with Postgraduate Institute of Medicine (PGIM) of the University of Colombo trainees looking for exposure to international research experts on public health.
The PGIM is the only institute in Sri Lanka for the specialist training of Medical doctors. All MD trainees are required to complete a mandatory period of overseas training prior to certification. The Nossal Institute is currently hosting two PGIM trainees, Dr Chamila Thilakarathne and Dr Shilanthi Seneviratne.
With the burden of non-communicable diseases rising in Sri Lanka, Dr Thilakarathne and Dr Seneviratne, have elected a placement with Professor Brian Oldenburg and the Non Communicable Disease Unit (NCDU) Team. They will be learning how Australia manages chronic non-communicable diseases.
Dr. Thilakarathne is interested in the policies and strategies used for the prevention and control of NCDs in Australia. She’s investigated monitoring and evaluation methods used in NCD programmes and compared the health systems of Australia Sri Lanka. Chamila is interested in exploring the effect of health systems on successful management of NCDs.
"I want to use my knowledge and experiences to improve Sri Lankan health systems." Dr Chamila Thilakarathne
Dr Shilanthi Seneviratne is a public health specialist. Her primary goal at the NCDU is to further develop research capacity and work towards control of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus in Low- and middle- income countries (LMICs). She is looking at how to strengthen primary health systems to improve NCD control in LMICs.
"When I return to Sri Lanka, I will be working in the public health sector as a consultant community physician. I will be able to bring the knowledge and skills gained at Nossal to my community." Dr Shilanthi Seneviratne
Dr Shilanthi and Dr Chamila are halfway through a two-year traineeship at Nossal Institute.