‘Your cultural background gives you stability and identity, while your new environment provides opportunities for growth. For us, maintaining both is essential.’

We often take our mobility for granted until it becomes a challenge. For those living with chronic inflammation, finding a path back to normal life requires a specialist who understands the intricate workings of the human body. Our guest today,  Dr. Chula Rajapakse, is a distinguished consultant Rheumatologist, a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in the United Kingdom.

He has spent over four decades working across Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, and New Zealand, helping patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life. Beyond clinical care, he has made a lasting impact on the New Zealand medical landscape, serving as President of the New Zealand Rheumatology Association for several years. From 1996 to 2007, he managed the Wellington Regional Rheumatology Unit at Hutt Hospital. He has also been a lecturer at the University of Otago and an Associate Professor at King Khalid University in Saudi Arabia.

In addition to his medical contributions, he is a respected voice in health education and a leader within the Sri Lankan community. In 2007, he was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit by the Queen in recognition of his services to medicine and to the Sri Lankan community.

Doctor, you began your medical journey in Sri Lanka, trained in the United Kingdom, worked in Saudi Arabia, and then built a long career in New Zealand. How have these different cultural and medical environments shaped your approach to patient care?

I have had the privilege of working in four very different countries. In the United Kingdom, I worked in teaching hospitals in London and Manchester, which exposed me to diverse patient populations and healthcare systems. Saudi Arabia was even more varied. It was truly a melting pot — about half the patients were Saudis, and the rest were expatriates from all over the world, including Europe, America, and South Asia.

Because of that experience, when I came to New Zealand, I didn’t feel a significant cultural shift. I was already familiar with interacting with people from different backgrounds. Over time, Wellington itself became more diverse, especially with increasing numbers of Asian immigrants. When people ask whether I experienced culture shock, my answer is no. My family and I had already adapted to a broad spectrum of cultures, and that made the transition much smoother.

As a former President of the New Zealand Rheumatology Association, what do you see as your proudest achievement?

When I became President around 1999, New Zealand had only about 15 rheumatologists. That was far below international recommendations. At the time, Australia had around 100. One of my main priorities was to increase the number of specialists. We used international guidelines, which recommended one rheumatologist per 80,000 people. In some parts of New Zealand, the ratio was closer to one for 200,000, which was clearly inadequate.

I prepared a comprehensive document and submitted it to the Ministry of Health. These things don’t happen overnight, but over time, progress was made. Today, we have close to 100 rheumatologists, and I feel that the work we did laid some of the groundwork for that growth. I must also acknowledge the support we received from the then Minister of Health, Annette King, who was very encouraging.

With an aging population, arthritis is becoming more common. Do you think we now have enough specialists?

That question needs a bit of clarification. There are two main types of arthritis.

• One is inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, which can occur at any age — even in young children. This is where rheumatologists play a major role. While we may not cure most forms, we can significantly control the disease and reduce disability.
• The other type is osteoarthritis, which is far more common and associated with aging. Managing osteoarthritis is a multidisciplinary effort. We provide guidance, but general practitioners, physiotherapists, patient education, and eventually orthopaedic surgeons all play important roles.

I often compare osteoarthritis to the wear and tear of a tyre. You maintain it for as long as possible, and eventually, when it is worn out, it is replaced. So, in osteoarthritis, we are one part of a larger system. In inflammatory arthritis, however, our role is much more central.

You have been closely involved with the Stokes Valley Monastery and the Dhamma Gavesi Meditation Centre. Has this been important in your life?

Very much so. When I first came to New Zealand for an interview, I was taken to the Stokes Valley Monastery. Meeting Reverend Wimalarathana was a significant factor in our decision to settle here. I grew up in a Buddhist environment that emphasised meditation and understanding, rather than ritual. Having that connection here was very reassuring. My wife, even when our children were very young, used to take food offerings regularly. Later, when the Dhamma Gavesi Meditation Centre was established, we found ourselves living close to both places. That was a great privilege. Our children also became involved, attending meditation sessions during their teenage years. These institutions played a very important role in grounding our family.

Moving a family across the world is no easy task. How did you adapt to life in New Zealand?

We approached it gradually. While in Saudi Arabia, we had long annual holidays and travelled extensively as a family. So, we were already used to change. Our children had experience in international schools, which made adaptation easier. We also connected with the Sri Lankan community here, which provided support and a sense of belonging. People like Dr. Ubayadas were particularly helpful.

How important was it to maintain your cultural identity while integrating into New Zealand society?

It was very important. We effectively lived in two worlds. We adapted to our new environment, but we also held onto our cultural and spiritual roots. I believe the two are not in conflict. They complement each other. Your cultural background gives you stability and identity, while your new environment provides opportunities for growth. For us, maintaining both was essential.

Behind every successful career is a strong support system. How did your family support you?

The support started at home, mainly with my wife. She was the anchor who managed everything on the home front while I worked long hours. She looked after the children and ensured that everything ran smoothly. This allowed me to focus on my work and other commitments, including professional leadership and advocacy. At times, I was working late into the night, especially when writing responses to misinformation about Sri Lanka in the media. Without that support network, it would have been impossible.

Rheumatology involves dealing with patients in chronic pain. Did you find it easy to switch off at home?

To be honest, I didn’t manage that very well. I admired those who could leave work behind, but I had multiple responsibilities beyond my clinical role. It was difficult to completely disconnect. The only time I truly switched off was during holidays. That was when I could fully focus on family life.

What were your non-negotiables for maintaining your wellbeing?

Exercise was always a priority. Even today, I make sure to spend time each day on physical activity. It has been essential for maintaining both physical and mental health.

Many young people today feel pulled between their cultural roots and professional ambitions. What advice would you give?

I would tell them that these two forces are not contradictory — they are complementary. Your roots provide you with a foundation, while your professional environment offers you opportunities to grow. For me, there was also a strong sense of gratitude. I benefited from free education in Sri Lanka, and I felt a responsibility to give back. Each person can do that in their own way, depending on their circumstances.

Why is it important for young professionals to engage in community work?

Because true fulfillment comes not only from personal success but from contributing to others. When you are young, you derive satisfaction from achievement. But as you grow older, you realise that the greatest joy comes from seeing others benefit from your efforts.

If you could speak to your younger self, what would you say?

I would advise finding a better balance between work and personal life. But more importantly, I would say to truly appreciate the support you receive from your family, especially your spouse. Looking back, I realise how much my wife contributed, and perhaps I did not acknowledge it enough at the time.

Before we conclude, what message would you like to leave with our viewers?

New Zealand is a wonderful place to live, and those of us here are fortunate. But life is never without challenges. You must be prepared to adapt, to seize opportunities, and to move forward with resilience.

For the Sri Lankan community especially, I would say: stay connected to your roots, appreciate what you have, and make the most of the opportunities available. Success comes from balance — between where you come from and where you are going.

Interview by Yashoda Jayawardana – Wellington

Written By Saumya Tissera – Auckland