IN CONVERSATION WITH DR.VASANTHIKA THUDUVAGE

Medicine has long been recognized as a profession that demands intellect, discipline, and compassion.

- Dr. Sulochana Segera

Yet within that demanding sphere, few have managed to harmonize clinical excellence, academic contribution, and creative expression as gracefully as Dr. Vasanthika Thuduvage. From her early education at Taxila College in Horana to her current position as Senior Lecturer and Consultant Otorhinolaryngologist and Head and Neck Surgeon at the University Hospital KDU, her journey has been one of purpose, resilience, and service. Balancing surgery, teaching, research, and motherhood, she has become a role model for young women pursuing medicine in Sri Lanka. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Thuduvage is also a poet and lyricist, adding an artistic dimension to her scientific career. In this conversation, she reflects on her motivations, challenges, and the milestones that shaped her life in medicine, offering insight into what it truly means to lead with empathy, determination, and balance.

What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine, and later to specialize in the challenging field of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery?

From childhood, I dreamed of becoming a doctor, guided by a desire to combine empathy with competence. During my surgical training, I witnessed the dedication, skill, and teamwork of surgeons, which inspired me profoundly. Surgery captivated me not only for its technical precision but also for the courage, composure, and responsibility it demands. When choosing a specialty, I considered both my personal responsibilities as a wife and future mother and my natural strengths. Otorhinolaryngology offered the ideal balance between surgical skill, patient interaction, and a manageable lifestyle. It suited my abilities and remains a deeply fulfilling choice.

Coming from Taxila College in Horana to becoming a Senior Lecturer and Consultant Surgeon, what were some defining moments that shaped your journey?