Dr ‎Nanayakkara is a clinical and academic endocrinologist. After graduating from medical school at the University of Melbourne, Natalie completed physician training at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Austin Health and the Monash Medical Centre, specialising in endocrinology.

Her ‎research interests include the prevention, diagnosis and management of diabetes ‎and cardiovascular disease. Natalie has presented her work at several ‎major national and international meetings in the past five years in addition to a ‎number of publications in the diabetes and endocrine area. ‎She has assisted in the formulation of national guidelines and educational programs for the Australian Diabetes Society and worked on the Australian National Diabetes Audit (ANDA) in addition to work on national clinical trials. Her PhD examines age related differences in the pathophysiology and management of diabetes and its complications.