New Partner joins the practice – Vinny Karunasekera

We are delighted to welcome Dr Vinny Karunasekera back to our team.

Vinny has previously worked here while he was completing his GP Registrar training under Dr Brett Mann.

Vinny has joined the partnership team and has taken over the management of Dr Brett Mann’s patients.

Here is a message from Vinny:

Kia Ora
My name is Dr Vinny Karunasekera. I am honoured to be taking over Dr Brett Mann’s practice, and
to be joining Ilam Medical Centre as the newest partner. I thought I would take this opportunity to
introduce myself.

I grew up a stones throw away from the practice itself, on Hamilton Avenue. I have biked past the
medical centre countless times on the way to school or Jellie Park. Little did I know back then,
that I would later become a partner of Ilam Medical.
I come from a medical family. My mother is a local GP and my wife is currently completing her
specialist training in General Practice. GP, in many ways, is ingrained in me. I studied at Otago
University and did my medical placements in Christchurch. I also have a post graduate Diploma of
Child Health. Since graduating, I have worked at multiple GP practices across Christchurch. This
has given me a unique understanding of the health care needs of different populations across
Canterbury. I have also previously worked at Ilam Medical in 2023, and had the privilege of
meeting many of you then.

I have been fortunate to be trained by Brett. He has been one of the most influential people of my
career and it is clear that we share the same passion for General Practice in its purest sense.
It is undoubtedly sad to see Brett retire from clinical practice. Brett has been integral to the health
and wellbeing of families across multiple generations. Countless medical professionals have also
benefited from Brett’s teachings on communication and somatisation. He will be sorely missed by
patients, students and colleagues alike.

The future of health care has many uncertainties. Because of this, I am committed to establishing
myself as a leader within our community, and I aspire to be a strong pillar for my patients and
colleagues for generations to come.
I look forward to forming a unique and long-term relationship with you.
Yours sincerely

Dr Vinny Karunasekera