Dr Janaka Peiris is a GP with over 30 years of clinical experience in general practice, occupational medicine, and medical assistance. Born in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Dr Peiris grew up in London and moved to Brisbane in 2010. Beyond his medical career, under the pseudonym Janaka Malwatta, he is a writer, with a cricket blog and poetry collection.  In 2021 he won the Thomas Shapcott Poetry Prize from Arts Queensland for his anthology, Blackbirds Don't Mate with Starlings. He also explores narrative poetry, often focusing on Sri Lankan stories, and has performed at events like the Queensland Poetry Festival.

Join us as Dr Peiris shares his journey from being an "NHS refugee" in the UK to finding autonomy in general practice in Australia. He discusses the factors that led him to choose Brisbane, his experiences as an immigrant doctor, and the inspiration behind his poetry anthology, which addresses racial tensions and personal experiences.

More than Medicine: Episode 1 - Dr Janaka Pieris

In this special miniseries we celebrate internationally trained doctors who are making an impact in Australia in the arts. Meet inspiring doctors who find creative outlets, community and success in poetry, comedy, music and photography - and more!
First episode launching late May 2025.

Miniseries: More than Medicine

Beginning her medical career as a General Practitioner in 1997, Dr Tanya Unni trained as a General Practitioner in the UK at one of the most prestigious institutions in London. 

A Member of the Royal College of General Practitioners in the UK and a Fellow of Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Australia, Skincare Specialist, Inventor, Blogger, Dancer, Motivational Speaker and much more. Her special interests are Dermatology, Cosmetic Medicine, Women’s Health, and Mental Health, and she is a Member of the Australasian College of Cosmetic Medicine.

Now residing on the Gold Coast, Dr Unni founded Amtan Medical Centres in 2011 with her husband and fellow Principal Doctor, Dr Ameer Hamza, with the first of their eight Medical Centres, Ormeau Family Practice.

Episode 15 - Dr Tanya Unni

Dr Vasuki Annamalai was born in Jaffna, Sri Lanka and is of Tamil descent, with a rich family background in advocacy and education. Fluent in Tamil and English, she graduated from the National University of Ireland (Royal College of Surgeons) in 2004. Her extensive medical journey spans prestigious institutions across Singapore, New Zealand, and Australia, with particular expertise in obstetrics and general practice.

Now settled in Tasmania, Dr Annamalai worked in diverse rural and remote locations in Australia on her way to achieving FRACGP in 2021.

A fierce advocate for primary healthcare, Dr Annamalai is passionate about nurturing the next generation of medical practitioners. Beyond medicine, she is an accomplished powerlifter and outdoor enthusiast who embraces Tasmania's natural beauty through bushwalking. Her practice philosophy emphasises work-life balance and comprehensive patient care, drawing from her rich international experience and deep understanding of diverse communities.

Episode 14 - Dr Vasuki Annamalai

On this special bonus episode of Medical Flyways, Dr Srishti Dutta swaps seats for a candid chat with Lizzie New, Senior Brand & Marketing Manager at Wavelength International.

In honour of International Women's Day, the conversation ranges from Dr Srishti's journey from India to Australia via the UK, cultural learnings, balancing family and career, the road to equity in healthcare, and disparities in women's health.

Episode 13 - Dr Srishti Dutta

Dr Ziad Basyouny is not only an accomplished GP who owns multiple GP practices, he will soon be running as an Independent for the Western Sydney seat of Watson in this years federal election. When arriving in Australia, Dr Basyouny worked as a computer salesperson and a cleaner at McDonald's for months before he landed his first medical job in Queensland.

Having worked at the Western Sydney Health District running their Hospital in the Home Department, Dr Basyouny returned to practicing medicine while forging his political career.

Episode 12 - Dr Ziad Basyouny

On this episode of Medical FlyWays, Dr Srishti Dutta reminisces with Radiologist Dr Rajiv Rattan. Dr Rattan trained at University College of Medical Sciences in Delhi, India and received his Radiology training from the University of Rajasthan, India. 

Dr Rattan talks about entering the medical profession during the economic liberalisation in India, before navigating the cultural and language challenges of working in the Middle East before eventually coming to Australia in 2008. He has since then worked as a Senior Staff Specialist at the Central Coast Local Health district and is also a Conjoint Lecturer at the School of Medicine at the University of Newcastle.

Episode 11 - Dr Rajiv Rattan

Dr Srishti Dutta catches up with Gold Coast general and breast surgeon Dr Rhea Liang. Having completed her primary medical degree in New Zealand, she is also the clinical Sub Dean at Bond University. A daughter to a Hong Kong migrant doctor herself, Dr Liang would inevitably follow her father's footsteps by migrating with her husband to Australia after completing her medical training. 

Episode 10 - Dr Rhea Liang

On this episode of FlyWays Dr Srishti Dutta speaks to Dr Ashwita Vanga, a trainee obstetrics and gynaecology doctor currently working at Toowoomba Base Hospital in Queensland. 

Despite only graduating 2016 from the Lady Hardinge Medical College in India, she has already been involved with a number of advocacy and leadership roles, including being the president of the IMA Dehli student wing and a board member of a not-for-profit organisation. 

Episode 9 - Dr Ashwita Vanga

On this episode of the Medical FlyWays podcast, Dr Srishti Dutta is joined by rehab clinician Dr Leslie Gan. Hailing from Malaysia, Dr Gan followed in her parent’s footsteps by completing her tertiary education in Perth before eventually settling in Queensland. Tune in to hear more about her journey and medical career in Australia.

Episode 8 - Dr Leslie Gan

On Medical FlyWays we unravel the untold stories of these extraordinary doctors, delving into their experiences of navigating the complexities of migration, visa processes, and settling into a new medical culture. In series 1 we focus on migrant doctors who have come to Australia from all around the world, from ethnically, culturally, and racially diverse backgrounds.

Srishti Dutta

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