Dr. Denaesh Ariyanayagam Calls for Greater Public Focus on Patient Education and Preventive Health
Dr. Denaesh Ariyanayagam, a Consultant General and Vascular Surgeon at St. Augustine Private Hospital, is raising awareness about the importance of patient education, preventive healthcare, and personal responsibility in achieving better long-term health outcomes.
Drawing on decades of experience in surgery, medical education, and healthcare leadership, Dr. Ariyanayagam believes one of the most effective ways to improve public health is to help individuals become more informed participants in their own care.
“Patients should feel informed and involved,” said Dr. Ariyanayagam. “That builds trust, improves communication, and often leads to better decisions.”
His message comes at a time when healthcare systems around the world continue to face growing demands. According to the World Health Organization, noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other chronic conditions account for approximately 74 percent of all deaths globally. Many of these conditions can be better managed through earlier detection, regular medical follow-up, and increased patient awareness.
Dr. Ariyanayagam notes that one of the biggest challenges healthcare professionals face is that patients often delay seeking medical attention until symptoms become severe.
“People sometimes focus on today’s inconvenience rather than their long-term well-being,” he said. “You have to keep your eye on the goal and the big picture when it comes to your health.”
As a vascular surgeon, he has spent much of his career treating conditions that often develop gradually over many years. He believes greater public understanding of risk factors, warning signs, and the importance of routine medical evaluations could make a meaningful difference.
Research published by multiple healthcare organizations has shown that patients who actively participate in their care are more likely to follow treatment plans, attend follow-up appointments, and achieve better health outcomes.
Dr. Ariyanayagam also emphasizes the importance of communication between patients and healthcare providers.
“Honesty, competence, and patient advocacy should always come first,” he said. “Good healthcare is a partnership. Patients should never feel uncomfortable asking questions or seeking clarification.”
Throughout his career, Dr. Ariyanayagam has championed education as a foundation for both professional and personal growth. A graduate with honors and a gold medal in medicine from the University of the West Indies, he later completed postgraduate surgical training in Edinburgh, Scotland, and spent 15 years teaching future physicians as a full-time faculty member at the University of the West Indies.
“Education creates the foundation,” he said. “But maintaining standards requires constant effort.”
He also believes that preventive thinking applies beyond medicine.
“Set realistic goals, create timelines, plans to achieve them, and constantly reevaluate,” he said. “That approach works for health just as it works for any long-term objective.”
Call to Action
Dr. Ariyanayagam encourages individuals to take simple but meaningful steps to become more engaged in their health and well-being:
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Schedule routine medical checkups rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen.
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Learn about family medical history and personal risk factors.
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Ask questions during medical appointments and seek clear explanations.
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Follow through with recommended follow-up care.
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Make time for healthy habits that support long-term wellness.
“Balance is crucial for well-being,” said Dr. Ariyanayagam. “Small, consistent actions often have the greatest impact over time.”
He hopes that greater awareness, education, and personal responsibility will help individuals make informed decisions and improve health outcomes within their families and communities.
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Dr. Denaesh Ariyanayagam
Dr. Denaesh Ariyanayagam is a Trinidad-based Consultant General and Vascular Surgeon at St. Augustine Private Hospital. He graduated with honors in medicine and earned a gold medal from the University of the West Indies before completing postgraduate surgical training in Edinburgh, Scotland. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, the International College of Surgeons, and the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Ariyanayagam is also a founding partner and former chairman of St. Augustine Private Hospital and previously served as a full-time faculty member at the University of the West Indies for 15 years.
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