Staff profile - Dr David Peiris
David fervently believes in the importance of Indigenous community controlled health organisations taking a primary role in the delivery of good health care
Senior Research Fellow, Indigenous Health Services
Earlier in the year, this doctor with a passion for Indigenous health journeyed across the pond from New Zealand to join The George Institute as a Senior Research Fellow.
Having worked with Dr Alan Cass, Director of the Renal Division, several years earlier in the Northern Territory, David followed his intuition and pursued the opportunity to become an integral part of Alan’s team at The George, "I thought he did good stuff and would be a nice person to work with, and so far, so good," he quips.
David now contributes to the scientific aspects of The Kanyini Vascular Collaboration, cultivating partnerships with primary health care service providers and liaising with the program’s chief investigators and other external stakeholders. He fervently believes in the importance of Indigenous community controlled health organisations taking a primary role in the delivery of good health care and feels "it is imperative that the Kanyini Vascular Collaboration make a meaningful contribution to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The challenges are great but the potential rewards are even greater."
After graduating from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Medicine/Surgery and a Masters degree in International Public Health, David applied his wide range of skills in general practice around Australia, particularly in isolated and rural areas. One of his career highlights has been a two year appointment as the sole general practitioner at Galiwin’ku, a remote Aboriginal community in North East Arnhem land.
In addition to obtaining his Fellowship with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and a Fellowship in Advanced Rural General Practice, David has grasped the intricacies of several languages, including Spanish, Yonlgu Matha and Te Reo Maori.
And how does the good doctor unwind? "I like running. My goal is to keep Nick Glozier (George Institute Associate Director) within eyesight at the City to Surf (I have very good eyes!)"