Dr.C.S. Weeraratna

Dr. Sunil Wimalawansa

The Eugene T. Davidson, Public Service Award, named after a founder and former president of American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) has been awarded to  Dr. Sunil J. Wimalawansa, MBBS, MD, PhD, MBA, DSc, who is a Professor of medicine and the former chief of the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School & Robert  Wood Johnson University Hospital; and professor of physiology and integrative biology at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, graduate school of biomedical sciences

AACE is the largest clinical endocrinologist association, representing around 8,000 endocrinologists worldwide. Most members are certified in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism, specializing in treating patients with a wide range of endocrine and metabolic disorders. The award ceremony will take place during the 33rd Annual Scientific & Clinical Congress in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, in May 2024. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding clinical excellence, education, research, public health, medical ethics, technological innovations, medical advancements, community involvement, and individual accomplishments.

Dr. Sunil Wimalwansa is a renowned educator, author, researcher, innovator, executive board member, administrator, and philanthropist. Dr. Wimalwansa obtained a diploma in medical administration from Johns Hopkins University School of Business in 2000 and an Executive Master’s in Business Administration from Rutgers University Business School in 2006. He has made significant contributions to academia and research in the field of Endocrinology with over 300 peer-reviewed articles, numerous book chapters, and authored books spanning various disciplines.

In 1994, Dr. Wimalwansa pioneered the first live remote medical consultation clinics” (first real telemedicine clinic) between Galveston, TX, and U.S.-Mexico border towns, covering over 250 miles. His exceptional contributions have earned him numerous prestigious awards, including the Dr. Boy Frame Award for Clinical Excellence in Metabolic Bone Diseases (1993), the Glen Foundation Award from the American Endocrine Society, and an innovation award from the Asian Chamber of Commerce (2000). Recognizing his humanitarian endeavors, he received the Dr. Oscar Gluck International Humanitarian of the Year Award (2007) from the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Sri Lanka Foundation, Los Angeles in honor of his remarkable contributions to science, humanity, and society.

Developing endocrinology in Sri Lanka began in 1973, with the pioneering efforts of Dr. Wimalawansa, including organizing the first international radioimmunoassay course in Asia, establishing the first nuclear medicine unit for Sri Lanka, and developing the first few hormone assays at the Faculty of Medicine, Peradeniya, under the leadership of Professors Wikrananayake and Piyasena. In 1979, Dr. Wimalawansa became the first physician formally released from the University of Sri Lanka and the Department of Health for foreign postgraduate training in Clinical Endocrinology. He completed two Endocrine Fellowships, one in general endocrinology and another in sub-specialty training. Upon his return the first clinical endocrinology unit in Peradeniya was established to complement the nuclear medicine unit established in the mid-1970s.

Dr. Wimalwansa is the first trained Clinical Endocrinologist from Sri Lanka; previously served as a squadron leader in the Air Force. In addition to delivering lectures, he has significantly contributed to global endocrinology education by offering free courses worldwide. Dr. Wimalwansa’s commitment to serving society is evident through his founding of nonprofit organizations, including the International Foundation for Chronic Disabilities, the International Foundation for Revitalization, etc.. Furthermore, he has played an integral roles as a member or consultant for various national and international scientific committees, Dr. Wimalawansa’s commitment to advancing scientific knowledge is evident through his regularly reviewing manuscripts for granting organizations and national and international scientific journals. Additionally, he actively serves on editorial boards and remains deeply engaged in scientific research and publications. Dr. Wimalawansa has trained a large number of young Endocrinologists in Sri Lanka and overseas.

Dr.C.S. Weeraratna csweera@sltnet.lk