Rowan Bandaranaike, M.D., is a dedicated and resilient individual who began his residency in Internal Medicine in Alabama. His journey to this milestone has been marked by perseverance, hard work, and the support of those around him, especially the team at J Med.
SLF had the opportunity to speak with Rowan, and he said, “I would like to thank both of my parents Primal and Rashika Bandaranaike. I would not be where I am today without their sacrifices, support, and unconditional love. Through their courage, perseverance, and strength, I learned to follow my dreams and have faith in myself. Thank you for believing in me before I believed in myself. The love and encouragement of my parents have been my compass; they have guided me through every obstacle and achievement.” Rowan also thanked the J Med team and said, “John and his staff were very welcoming when I joined J Med in 2021. I worked at J Med for a few months and developed a close bond. John and his staff consistently kept in contact with me when I was in Michigan or now in Alabama and always offered to help in any way possible. In 2023 after graduating, I joined J Med again for another 10 months. This specific time in my life was stressful due to the application process and residency interviews. However, going to work at J Med was a stress reliever due to my close bond with everyone. Every day I looked forward to being a J Med team member and contributing to the J Med mission. J Med has provided me with the extended family that I never knew I needed and I am forever grateful specifically for John, Lori, Kathia, Joe, Isaiah, and Julian. I am honored and grateful to have been part of the J Team and J Med will always be part of my journey moving forward”.
Rowan’s path was not without its hurdles. During his time in medical school, he faced significant challenges, including caring for his ill mother and navigating the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these obstacles, Rowan remained steadfast in his commitment to his education and dream of becoming a physician. His perseverance paid off, culminating in his graduation from medical school and securing a spot in an internal medicine residency program in Alabama.
Rowan is deeply grateful to everyone who supported him throughout his medical career journey, especially to John Amirthiah, J Med CEO/President and the J Med staff. The experience provided him with valuable professional skills in the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) field and fostered long-lasting friendships with the company’s amazing staff.
Rowan would like to share this message with the younger generation, “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life, as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed” – Booker T Washington
“Obstacles are a normal part of the journey, and they can be overcome. The key to overcoming obstacles throughout your journey is to revisit your ‘why’, practice gratitude, and lean on those who have supported you throughout your journey. Only then will it shine a light on the meaning of who you are to still become.”
Rowan looks forward to the next chapter of his career, hopeful and determined to positively impact people’s lives through his work in medicine.
