Gayana Wanniarachchi, DPM
Dr. Wanniarachchi brings a unique and comprehensive background to the field of podiatric surgery and foot and ankle care. She earned her Bachelor’s degrees in Kinesiology and Women’s & Gender Studies from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, where she also distinguished herself as a Division I cross country and track athlete. This athletic background, coupled with her academic foundation, ignited a passion for biomechanics and lower extremity health, leading her to pursue a career in podiatric medicine.
Dr. Waaniarachchi received her Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine from Rosalind Franklin University and subsequently completed rigorous surgical residency training at OSF St. Katharine in Dixon, Illinois. Throughout her education, she actively participated in podiatric research, contributing to numerous projects and presented her findings at a national conference. Notably, she was awarded 2nd place at the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) National Conference for her research poster: “Prophylactic Sural Neurectomy with a Closed End Conduit Following Calcaneal Fractures: A Retrospective Case Study.”
Demonstrating her commitment to advancing the field, Dr. Wanniarachchi also secured funding from the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) to support the publication of her manuscript, “Single-Stage Talectomy and Tibiocalcaneal Arthrodesis for Rigid Post-Polio Equinocavovarus Deformity,” currently in the publishing process. Further solidifying her position as a rising leader, she was recently selected for the prestigious APMA Emerging Leaders Program.
Dr. Wanniarachchi’s OrthoIllinois podiatric practice at OSF HealthCare focuses on a full spectrum of foot and ankle conditions and injuries for patients in the Peru, Princeton, Sterling and Mendota, Illinois areas. She offers both conservative treatment and advanced surgical interventions, with a particular interest in complex cases such as peripheral nerve injuries, limb salvage, and sports medicine related foot and ankle pathology. Dr. Wanniarachchi is dedicated to providing patient-centered, compassionate care, tailoring treatment plans to help patients achieve their individual goals and return to an active lifestyle.
