Our Doctors
A native of Sri Lanka, Dr. Perera is a popular member of the Hinsdale Pediatrics team. She appreciates the impact a good pediatrician can have on the lives of children, particularly in preventing illness.
"I am passionate about preventive medicine. I want to help kids take a proactive approach to their health - healthy eating, exercise, healthy social and emotional development. I want to empower kids to take good care of their health... I want to give them the building blocks they need to start developing a healthy life. "
Personally, Dr. Perera enjoys running, gardening, and photography. Though she came to these hobbies late in life, she has found gardening especially rewarding.
"Gardening is an interest I share with my daughter. I love planting seeds, taking care of them, and seeing the plants grow. My daughter loves eating the vegetables I grow. She says they are the best tasting cucumbers."
Dr. Perera came to the US at the age of 19, and started college soon after. Her immigrant experience informs her practice of pediatrics in profound ways.
"Immigrant life teaches you to be very open minded and stay curious. It also helps you understand how resilient people are and approach people from a strength-based perspective. These qualities are very helpful in working with kids. I am inspired when I see just how curious, kind, and brave kids are. I want to be the kind of doctor that the kids and their parents feel they can trust and rely on. "
Dr. Perera obtained her undergraduate degree at Dominican University in River Forest, before graduating from Chicago Medical School with her MD. She completed her residency in pediatrics at Stony Brook Medical Center in New York.
Q&A
What are you most proud of?
Becoming a doctor. I wanted to be a doctor since fourth grade.
What is your comfort food?
Sri Lankan food. There are many Sri Lankan dishes I love but a plate of rice with vegetables and fish curry is hard to beat.
Do you speak any other languages?
Yes, Sinhala.
HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS
- AMITA Health Adventist Hinsdale Hospital (Hinsdale, IL)
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago (Chicago, IL)
