Avanthi Jayaweera

Avanthi Jayaweera (MD) is a Fellow in our Leadership Training Academy Class of 2026 and specializes in Family Medicine. She shared the following reflections on her work, advocacy, and what brings her joy.

What are your clinical or research interests?

A few of my many clinical interests include contraception, gender-affirming care, abortion access, prenatal and pediatric care, among others.

What current policy issue motivates you to be an advocate?

I have several policy interests however the one that keeps me especially engaged at the moment is the invasion of politics in the exam room. Every week, we learn of new government-imposed, medically unnecessary restrictions on evidence-based care. It is exhausting and unsustainable for the practice of medicine. Clinicians should have a healthcare system we can safely rely on. We need a system that is protected from politics and puts people first.

What local justice-centered organization do you wish we knew about?

Birth in Color — a local nonprofit whose mission is to empower communities of colors through comprehensive, culturally inclusive support — dismantling systemic barriers in maternal, reproductive, and infant health.

What is bringing you joy these days?

Salsa dancing and spending time with our little dog!

Our Meet Our Advocates series showcases the talents and passion of one of our doctors and finds out, in their own words, what inspires them to be physician advocates. Learn more about the Leadership Training Academy.