Tissa Wijeratne

Professor Tissa Wijeratne: An Extraordinary Leader in Neurology and Brain Health

Professional Summary: Professor Tissa Wijeratne, OAM, MBBS, MD, PhD, FRACP, FRCP (Edin), FRCP (London), FAAN, FAHA, stands as one of Australia’s most impactful academic neurologists and clinician-scientists, particularly recognized for his contributions from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) background. As Director of Neurology and Stroke Services at Western Health and Adjunct Professor at Victoria University, RMIT, and La Trobe University, Prof. Wijeratne has elevated clinical and academic neurology programs to meet international standards. In Sri Lanka, he holds an honorary professorship at the University of Rajarata, bridging knowledge exchange between Australia and South Asia.

A dedicated leader in brain health, Prof. Wijeratne has focused on advancing migraine and headache medicine, neurorehabilitation, and the impacts of COVID-19 on neurological health, especially within CALD communities. His expertise has earned him numerous awards, including the Order of Australia Medal in 2023, recognizing his remarkable contributions to medicine.

Research and Publications: Since initiating his research in 2016 and completing his PhD in 2021, Prof. Wijeratne has established himself as Australia’s most-cited clinician-researcher in migraine, headache disorders, and COVID-19 neurological research. With over 300 publications, a citation index surpassing 127,000, and an h-index of 82, his work has reshaped global understanding of complex neurological conditions. His high-impact publications include landmark studies such as:

• “Hallmarks of Primary Headache: Part 1 - Migraine” in Journal of Headache and Pain - a foundational paper co-authored with 40 global experts (doi: 10.1186/s10194-024-01889-x).
• “Migraine in the Emergency Department” in Neuroepidemiology - an expansive study spanning 67 emergency departments worldwide (doi: 10.1159/000520548).
• “Association Between Migraine and Suicidal Behaviors” in Frontiers in Neurology - highlighting mental health implications of migraine (doi: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00490).

National and International Engagements: Prof. Wijeratne is deeply engaged in global neurology, serving as Trustee and Chair of the Global Public Awareness Committee for the World Federation of Neurology, President of the Asian Regional Consortium for Headache, and Founder of the Migraine Foundation Australia. He has contributed substantially to initiatives like World Brain Day, the Migraine Foundation, and ARCH, influencing policies and practices across Asia and Oceania.

Research Funding and Clinical Trials: A seasoned leader in clinical trials, Prof. Wijeratne has overseen over 100 randomized controlled trials and secured over $10.4 million in research funding over the last decade. His pioneering work in acute stroke reperfusion therapy has informed global best practices and saved countless lives.

Teaching and Mentorship: Prof. Wijeratne’s impact on neurology education is vast, having supervised over 450 physician trainees, mentored more than 50 PhD students, and facilitated “train the trainer” workshops that have benefitted over 2,000 physicians in Australia and New Zealand. His dedication to mentorship has especially benefited trainees from CALD backgrounds, expanding the diversity and strength of Australia’s healthcare workforce.

Professional Affiliations: As a leader and advocate, Prof. Wijeratne is actively involved in numerous professional organizations:

• Trustee, World Federation of Neurology
• President, Asian Regional Consortium of Headache
• Founder and Chair, Migraine Foundation Australia (www.migrainefoundation.org.au)
• Founder, World Migraine Day (www.steps4migraine.com)
• Global Chair, Special Interest Group for Migraine and Headache Disorders, World Federation of Neurorehabilitation

Prof. Tissa Wijeratne exemplifies the role of the clinician-scientist, with an unwavering commitment to advancing neurology, bridging academic and clinical excellence, and fostering global collaborations to address some of the most pressing challenges in brain health today.