Dear Colleagues, I am a simple physician, just like many of you — juggling day-to-day clinical demands, family responsibilities, teaching, and the increasing challenges facing our profession. I remain deeply grateful to the Royal Australasian College of Physicians for the opportunities it provided me to train in internal medicine and global health. Those opportunities shaped my journey and allowed me to serve patients, mentor trainees, and promote brain health both locally and globally. My own journey has taken me from Sri Lanka to Aotearoa New Zealand and then to Australia. When I arrived in New Zealand in 1999 as a junior doctor, it was the support of mentors, colleagues, and the strong professional network within our College that helped me grow into the physician and leader I am today. That experience taught me how powerful the right mentorship, structured training, and professional community can be. Today, I am standing for election as President-Elect of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. I do so because I deeply believe that our College must always remain focused on its core purpose — supporting physicians and trainees, strengthening standards of training, and ensuring that our patients receive the very best care. Over the years, I have worked closely with many basic and advanced trainees across Australia and internationally. Many come from diverse cultural backgrounds. Many face unique challenges. I have seen first-hand how inclusive leadership, strong mentorship, and fair training systems can transform careers and lives. Our College has always been a cornerstone of clinical excellence and physician education. But at this important moment, we must renew our sense of purpose, humility, and service. If given the privilege to serve as President-Elect, my commitment is simple: • Put trainees and physicians at the centre of everything we do • Strengthen training pathways and professional development • Support colleagues across rural, regional, and metropolitan communities • Promote diversity, cultural safety, and fairness within our College • Ensure transparent, forward-looking governance that restores confidence in our institution I come to this role with deep gratitude for what the College has given me — and with a genuine desire to give back. I do not come with political baggage. I come simply as a physician who believes in the mission and values that built our College. With your support, we can work together to strengthen the purpose, pride, and service of our profession so that physicians and trainees can continue to provide the very best care for our patients — with meaning and with joy. I would be honoured to have your support. Warm regards, Professor Tissa Wijeratne OAM MD PhD FRACP Candidate – RACP President-Elect Learn more: www.tissawijeratne.net Contact: tissa4racp2025@gmail.co