Name: Monika Wijeratne
Title at DGHI: Visiting scholar
Home institution: Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka
Duration of visit: One year
Tell us more about your background and experience.
I am a medical professional, specialized in public health. I have completed an MSc and MD in Community Medicine/Public Health from University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. I have worked for seven years in the curative health sector before specializing in public health.
What does your work focus on and why is this work important for global health?
My research focuses on mental health, adolescent health, school health, occupational health and injury and violence. Most of these topics are new research areas for developing countries like Sri Lanka, where more attention is needed in order to promote health and quality of life.
What countries do you work in? I have worked in Sri Lanka for 14 years.
What do you hope to accomplish in your role while at DGHI? I am participating in several DGHI research activities led by DGHI faculty members Truls Ostbye and Catherine Lynch. I will be working with Dr. Ostbye on studies investigating doctor-patient communication for prevention in primary care, obesity in the workplace, and the Sri Lanka Healthy Minds Study to better understand depression risk and cognitive impairment among older adults and impact on families. I am also working with Dr. Lynch on her global injury and violence research, specifically a study in Brazil to assess violence among prisoners.
As a DGHI Visiting Scholar, I hope to better understand how developed countries address these health issues through research. I also hope to prepare and submit several manuscripts on my research exploring peer violence among adolescents in Sri Lanka.
Why are you interested in global health? It helps to promote and improve the health and quality of the life of people around the world.
To start a conversation with me, ask me: About my mother land, Sri Lanka
Where is your office located? 331 Trent Hall
