Born in Sri Lanka and trained in India, Dr Kuruppu came to Australia in 2007 with a strong clinical foundation and a clear goal: to practise medicine – in particular anaesthetics. While his clinical skills were never questioned, the journey through training and assessment proved challenging. 

“I struggled with exams,” he says, honestly. “Not the knowledge – but how to deliver it.” 

That distinction became a defining theme of his specialist journey. While he thrived in clinical environments, exam formats – particularly those requiring structured communication – presented hurdles. 

English was not his first language; however, he mastered that at university. It was the expectations around communication and exam technique that added another layer of complexity. 

Navigating different health systems and cultural expectations across three countries added to the challenge – but also helped shape the adaptable Rural Generalist he is today. 

After beginning specialist anaesthetic training, the struggle intensified. Despite being accepted into a highly competitive program, repeated exam difficulties stalled his progression and eventually, he was at a crossroads. 

Rather than stepping away from medicine, Dr Kuruppu adapted. 

“I’ve always been someone who, if told I can’t do something, wants to prove that I can,” he says. 

That mindset, together with the guidance of dedicated mentors, led him to the ACRRM pathway – one that aligned with his procedural interests and offered the breadth he was seeking. As a Rural Generalist, he could combine general practice with advanced anaesthetics skills, hospital work and community care. 

But the challenges didn’t end there. While training with ACRRM, Dr Kuruppu faced one of his toughest hurdles: the StAMPS assessment. He failed the exam five times. 

“For a long time, I didn’t understand why I was failing,” he says. “It wasn’t about knowledge – it was about structure and delivery.” 

What changed everything was the structured support that wrapped around him. 

Through the College, Dr Kuruppu connected with experienced Medical Educators, the ACRRM training support team and assessment leads who recognised his strengths, backed his potential and helped him refine his approach. With targeted coaching, mentorship and persistence, he passed on his next attempt. 

“It was a huge relief,” he says. “It validated everything I had worked towards.” 

That moment marked a turning point – not just in achieving Fellowship in 2021, but in unlocking new opportunities. 

Today, Dr Kuruppu works across multiple settings, including independent anaesthetic practice, rural hospitals and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services. He is also deeply involved in medical education, examining and mentoring the next generation of doctors, and facilitating ACRRM courses throughout the country. 

For Dr Kuruppu, the diversity of Rural Generalism is what makes the role so rewarding, allowing him to meet community needs in ways a single specialty cannot. 

“The support I had – from mentors, supervisors and ACRRM – made all the difference,” he says. “People saw something in me and kept backing me.” 

That support didn’t just help him succeed – it shaped the way he now supports others. 

Today, Dr Kuruppu is a member of ACRRM's Assessment Committee, a Medical Educator on the Focused Assessment Support Program and a valued facilitator on ACRRM courses. As a contributor to the College's training program, he is passionate about normalising failure, building resilience and helping doctors realise that setbacks do not define their careers. 

His commitment to developing future Rural Generalists will continue this October, when he plays a key role in ACRRM's Emerging Leaders Conference in Adelaide. Bringing together 30 recently selected Fellows from across Australia, the conference is designed to develop leadership capability and prepare participants to become future ambassadors for ACRRM, their communities and the broader health system. 

“It’s okay to fail,” he says. “Failing doesn’t mean you’re not good enough. It just means you need a different approach. 

“Adaptability,” he says, “is key. 

“My career has taken me across countries, cultures and systems. Being able to adapt and keep going has been crucial.” 

Looking back, Dr Kuruppu sees his journey not as a series of setbacks, but as a process of growth. 

“If you asked me years ago, I might have said I wished things were easier,” he reflects. “But now, I wouldn’t change it. This is where I’m meant to be.” 

For those currently navigating challenges, his advice is simple: persevere, seek support and trust that there are many ways to succeed. 

Because sometimes, the long road doesn’t just lead to success—it leads to purpose.