Tissa Wijeratne (Australia)

Tissa Wijeratne

It is a great honour to stand for election as Secretary General of the World Federation of Neurology.

A lesson I learned as a medical student in rural Sri Lanka has guided my career ever since: where a person lives should never determine their access to quality neurological care. That belief continues to inspire my work as a neurologist, educator, researcher and advocate.

While I have authored more than 400 peer-reviewed publications (h-index >90; 180,000+ citations), I am proudest of developing people. Over the past 23 years, I have had the privilege of mentoring more than 200 neurologists, 550 physicians and 52 PhD graduates, many of whom now lead clinical services, research, universities and neurological organisations around the world.

The WFN has profoundly shaped my own journey. As a Trustee and Chair of the Public Awareness and Advocacy Committee, I have worked alongside colleagues from every region to strengthen education, advocacy and international collaboration. Together, through World Brain Day, we have helped make brain health a truly global priority.

If elected, I will listen, serve and deliver. I will work to strengthen every member society, foster collaboration, support education and research, empower the next generation of neurologists, and champion equitable access to neurological care—especially in low- and middle-income countries.

I firmly believe the WFN's greatest strength is its member societies. Together, we can build a stronger Federation, advance Brain Health and Access for All, and improve the lives of the 3.4 billion people living with neurological disorders worldwide.

It would be a great honour to earn your trust and serve as your Secretary General.  I would welcome the opportunity to meet with your national neurological society to hear your ideas and priorities.

Professor Tissa Wijeratne OAM MD PhD FRACP FRCP FAAN FEAN