Meet Devarajan Rathish, our July Advisor of the Month!
Dr. Devarajan Rathish is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, located in the Anuradhapura district in North Central Sri Lanka. He studied medicine (MBBS), completed his master’s degree in public health (MPH) at EUCLID University and obtained a master of philosophy (MPhil) at the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka.
How did you get into your field?
I like teaching, treating, and researching. Also, I had a passion to work in a rural region of my country. Therefore, I choose to become a Lecturer in a faculty of medicine located in a rural region. And, now I am happy teaching medical students, treating patients, and doing research in Anuradhapura. My fields of interest are Pharmacology, Primary Care, Public Health, and Medical Ethics.
Where do you do work the best?
I feel fortunate to work in fields that focus on broader aspects of medicine. It has given me an opportunity to achieve a diversity of knowledge. Further, I prefer to work in an environment where my teammates have competency, a strong sense of companionship, and a good work ethic.
How long have you been using Mendeley?
I have been using Mendeley for six years. Since June 2015, I have been a Mendeley Advisor. I am happy to have introduced Mendeley to many undergraduates, postgraduates, and academic staff members of Sri Lanka.
What were you using prior to Mendeley?
I used to make references manually. Thanks to my Mendeley advisor Dr. Buddhika Wijerathne (my previous colleague and now a general practitioner at Ropes Crossing Medical Practice, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia), I could learn Mendeley at the very beginning of my career.
Why did you decide to become an Advisor?
To share the treasure that I found – “Mendeley”. The need for Mendeley was felt by many of my academic colleagues who are involved in research work. Also, annual workshops on Mendeley had to be conducted as part of the “Research in medicine” module for the 3rd year medical undergraduates at the university. Thus, my role as an official Mendeley advisor was important. I extend my gratitude to the team Mendeley for extending their continuous support. They register my workshops on time and provide useful materials and merchandise as well.
What researcher would you like to work with or meet, dead or alive?
I would like to meet and work with Dr. David Nalin, Professor Emeritus, Center for Immunology and Microbial Diseases, Albany Medical College. He along with Dr. Richard Cash, and their colleagues “successfully tested the efficacy of an oral glucose-electrolyte solution, later known as oral rehydration therapy (ORT), to be used instead of intravenous fluid for the treatment of patients with severe cholera”. The Lancet called it “… possibly the greatest medical discovery of this century”. And, the UNICEF describes its value as follows: “no other single medical breakthrough of the 20th century has the potential to prevent so many deaths, over such a short period of time and at so little cost”. The above are compelling reasons for my willingness to meet and work with him.
What book are you reading at the moment?
I am reading John Murtagh’s General Practice. The textbook describes the essentials of general practice in depth. It’s a great read for anyone that aspires to progress as a family physician, and I would recommend it to my colleagues and students.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned this week?
The new variants of Coronavirus. There will be a lot more to learn on the above topic during the next few months as well.
What is the best part about working in research?
I like reviewing and referencing. It helps me broaden my existing knowledge.
And the most challenging part about working in research?
Finding suitable collaborations and research grants have always been a challenge. However, once the above two are finalized the journey is much easier.
What is the one thing you want people to know about Mendeley?
Mendeley is a high-quality reference manager provided free of charge for all.
Do you have any advice for young researchers?
“Research is seeing what everybody else has seen and thinking what nobody else has thought.” – Albert Szent-Györgyi (1893-1986)
Interested in becoming a Mendeley Advisor? Learn more about the Advisor Community.
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