Honoring Ethiopia’s First Radiologist on World Radiology Day
As we celebrate World Radiology Day, we remember and honor Dr. Colonel Mekbib Teklemariam (1937–2023), the first Ethiopian radiologist.
Dr. Mekbib was born on April 14, 1937, in Muger, Selale, while his family was fleeing the Italian occupation. He grew up in Addis Ababa in a devout Orthodox family; his father served at Kidist Selassie Church near 4 Kilo. Dr. Mekbib began formal schooling at age 13 at Kedamawi Haile Selassie School and quickly became one of the top students in the country.
In 1959, he finished high school with the highest national score and was personally recognized by Emperor Haile Selassie. Shortly after, he joined the Haile Selassie I Military Academy in Harar, where he trained both academically and militarily.
Later, he earned a scholarship to study medicine in Zagreb, Yugoslavia, graduating as a doctor in 1969. After serving as a general practitioner in Asmara, he returned to Yugoslavia to specialize in radiology, completing his training in 1976. He also completed a one-year fellowship in Dublin, Ireland, before returning home.
Back in Ethiopia, Dr. Mekbib became the first Ethiopian to practice radiology, leading the imaging department at Leilt Tsehay Hospital (now Tor Hayloch Hospital). He dedicated his life to advancing radiology in Ethiopia and encouraged young radiologists to establish a fully equipped diagnostic center that provides all imaging and interventional services. He also highlighted the importance of timely maintenance of medical equipment and ongoing professional development.
Dr. Colonel Mekbib Teklemariam remains a pioneer and founding figure of Ethiopian radiology — a symbol of dedication, academic excellence, and lifelong service to medicine.
(This story is adapted and summarized from Dr. Freweyni Asfaw’s 2018 article compiling the biography of Dr. Mekbib Teklemariam for the Radiological Society of Ethiopia E-Magazine
As we celebrate World Radiology Day, we remember and honor Dr. Colonel Mekbib Teklemariam (1937–2023), the first Ethiopian radiologist.
Dr. Mekbib was born on April 14, 1937, in Muger, Selale, while his family was fleeing the Italian occupation. He grew up in Addis Ababa in a devout Orthodox family; his father served at Kidist Selassie Church near 4 Kilo. Dr. Mekbib began formal schooling at age 13 at Kedamawi Haile Selassie School and quickly became one of the top students in the country.
In 1959, he finished high school with the highest national score and was personally recognized by Emperor Haile Selassie. Shortly after, he joined the Haile Selassie I Military Academy in Harar, where he trained both academically and militarily.
Later, he earned a scholarship to study medicine in Zagreb, Yugoslavia, graduating as a doctor in 1969. After serving as a general practitioner in Asmara, he returned to Yugoslavia to specialize in radiology, completing his training in 1976. He also completed a one-year fellowship in Dublin, Ireland, before returning home.
Back in Ethiopia, Dr. Mekbib became the first Ethiopian to practice radiology, leading the imaging department at Leilt Tsehay Hospital (now Tor Hayloch Hospital). He dedicated his life to advancing radiology in Ethiopia and encouraged young radiologists to establish a fully equipped diagnostic center that provides all imaging and interventional services. He also highlighted the importance of timely maintenance of medical equipment and ongoing professional development.
Dr. Colonel Mekbib Teklemariam remains a pioneer and founding figure of Ethiopian radiology — a symbol of dedication, academic excellence, and lifelong service to medicine.
(This story is adapted and summarized from Dr. Freweyni Asfaw’s 2018 article compiling the biography of Dr. Mekbib Teklemariam for the Radiological Society of Ethiopia E-Magazine
Announcement for MPH Applicants (Regular and Weekend Programs)
Dear Applicants,
We would like to inform all candidates that the written examination results for the Master of Public Health (MPH) Regular and Weekend Programs are now available.
The interview sessions for shortlisted candidates will be held on November 14 and 15, 2025, at the School of Public Health rooms.
Please make sure to bring your original ID card and be present 15 minutes before your scheduled time
Dear Applicants,
We would like to inform all candidates that the written examination results for the Master of Public Health (MPH) Regular and Weekend Programs are now available.
The interview sessions for shortlisted candidates will be held on November 14 and 15, 2025, at the School of Public Health rooms.
Please make sure to bring your original ID card and be present 15 minutes before your scheduled time
St. Paul’s Hospital Officially Launches Open-Heart Surgery Service
St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC) officially launched its Open-Heart Surgery Service today — a major step forward in advancing specialized medical care in Ethiopia.
The service began on 21 Tikimt 2017 (E.C.) through a partnership between St. Paul’s Hospital, Tazma Specialized Surgical and Medical Center, and the Children’s Heart Fund of Ethiopia. Since then, 30 patients have received life-saving cardiac surgeries, leading up to today’s official inauguration.
During the event, partners and individuals who played a vital role in the program’s success were recognized with certificates of appreciation.
Tazma Specialized Surgical and Medical Center trained the cardiac nursing team, supplied essential surgical equipment — including a heart-lung machine — and provided ongoing patient support.
The Children’s Heart Fund of Ethiopia donated vital surgical materials and served as a training site for cardiac nursing staff.
Dr. Lemi, Academic and Medical Services Provost, commended the hospital’s commitment to advancing cardiac care. He also announced that within 8 to 10 months, the service will move to a new, fully equipped facility — expanding access and capacity for heart surgery at St. Paul’s.
St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC) officially launched its Open-Heart Surgery Service today — a major step forward in advancing specialized medical care in Ethiopia.
The service began on 21 Tikimt 2017 (E.C.) through a partnership between St. Paul’s Hospital, Tazma Specialized Surgical and Medical Center, and the Children’s Heart Fund of Ethiopia. Since then, 30 patients have received life-saving cardiac surgeries, leading up to today’s official inauguration.
During the event, partners and individuals who played a vital role in the program’s success were recognized with certificates of appreciation.
Tazma Specialized Surgical and Medical Center trained the cardiac nursing team, supplied essential surgical equipment — including a heart-lung machine — and provided ongoing patient support.
The Children’s Heart Fund of Ethiopia donated vital surgical materials and served as a training site for cardiac nursing staff.
Dr. Lemi, Academic and Medical Services Provost, commended the hospital’s commitment to advancing cardiac care. He also announced that within 8 to 10 months, the service will move to a new, fully equipped facility — expanding access and capacity for heart surgery at St. Paul’s.
written Entrance examination result (Regular and Weekend Programs)
Dear Applicants,
We would like to inform all candidates that the written examination results for the Master of Public Health (MPH) Regular and Weekend Programs are now available.
The interview sessions for shortlisted candidates will be held on November 14 and 15, 2025, at the School of Public Health venues.
Please make sure to bring your original ID card and be present 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Please use the link below to view your result
https://sphmmc.edu.et/2025/11/11/announcement-for-mph-applicants/
Dear Applicants,
We would like to inform all candidates that the written examination results for the Master of Public Health (MPH) Regular and Weekend Programs are now available.
The interview sessions for shortlisted candidates will be held on November 14 and 15, 2025, at the School of Public Health venues.
Please make sure to bring your original ID card and be present 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Please use the link below to view your result
https://sphmmc.edu.et/2025/11/11/announcement-for-mph-applicants/
Two Journalists Thank St. Paul’s Hospital for Helping Them Get Back to Good Health
Two journalists from the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), Mr. Solomon Ayele and Ms. Yeshiembet Demeke, have expressed heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and nurses at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College for helping them recover and return to good health after their surgeries.
Mr. Solomon was treated for chronic pancreatitis, while Ms. Yeshiembet underwent surgery for gallstones. Both described the care they received as kind, professional, and full of compassion, praising the hospital’s medical team for their dedication.
They gave special thanks to their surgeons — Dr. Weletaw Chane, Dr. Endalkachew Hailu, Dr. Kirubel Hailu, and Professor Mheteme Bekele — as well as to the nurses, physicians, and all health professionals who supported them during their recovery in the surgical ward.
Now fully recovered and back at work, both journalists say they will always remember the warmth and professionalism they experienced at St. Paul’s.
Their story is a reflection of the dedication, teamwork, and kindness of St. Paul’s Hospital’s medical staff — always ready to give their best care to every patient who walks through their doors.
Two journalists from the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), Mr. Solomon Ayele and Ms. Yeshiembet Demeke, have expressed heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and nurses at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College for helping them recover and return to good health after their surgeries.
Mr. Solomon was treated for chronic pancreatitis, while Ms. Yeshiembet underwent surgery for gallstones. Both described the care they received as kind, professional, and full of compassion, praising the hospital’s medical team for their dedication.
They gave special thanks to their surgeons — Dr. Weletaw Chane, Dr. Endalkachew Hailu, Dr. Kirubel Hailu, and Professor Mheteme Bekele — as well as to the nurses, physicians, and all health professionals who supported them during their recovery in the surgical ward.
Now fully recovered and back at work, both journalists say they will always remember the warmth and professionalism they experienced at St. Paul’s.
Their story is a reflection of the dedication, teamwork, and kindness of St. Paul’s Hospital’s medical staff — always ready to give their best care to every patient who walks through their doors.
Ethiopia Takes a Leap Forward in Mental Health Care with Brain Stimulation Training
Ethiopia is moving closer to offering advanced mental health treatments with plans to introduce Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a breakthrough therapy for depression.
Doctors from the Department of Psychiatry at Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC) are currently in Munich, Germany, learning the new technique at Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU). Leading the delegation are Dr. Meskerem Abebe and Dr. Surafel Worku, who are receiving hands-on training and a “Training of Trainers” certification. This will allow them not only to bring the therapy back to Ethiopia but also to teach it to other mental health professionals, building local expertise for the first time.
The training is part of the two-year BEAM clinical partnership project, which aims to establish Ethiopia’s first dedicated program for TMS therapy. The initiative comes at a crucial time: depression affects millions in the country, yet treatment options remain limited, inconsistent, and often out of reach.
Once the program is in place, patients with treatment-resistant depression will have access to care that was previously unavailable in Ethiopia and across East Africa. Experts say the new therapy could transform mental health services, giving hope to those who have struggled for years without effective treatment.
Dr. Meskerem and Dr. Surafel also hope the project will inspire wider collaboration, showing how innovative partnerships can help countries develop life-changing healthcare solutions, even in settings where resources are limited.
Ethiopia is moving closer to offering advanced mental health treatments with plans to introduce Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a breakthrough therapy for depression.
Doctors from the Department of Psychiatry at Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC) are currently in Munich, Germany, learning the new technique at Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU). Leading the delegation are Dr. Meskerem Abebe and Dr. Surafel Worku, who are receiving hands-on training and a “Training of Trainers” certification. This will allow them not only to bring the therapy back to Ethiopia but also to teach it to other mental health professionals, building local expertise for the first time.
The training is part of the two-year BEAM clinical partnership project, which aims to establish Ethiopia’s first dedicated program for TMS therapy. The initiative comes at a crucial time: depression affects millions in the country, yet treatment options remain limited, inconsistent, and often out of reach.
Once the program is in place, patients with treatment-resistant depression will have access to care that was previously unavailable in Ethiopia and across East Africa. Experts say the new therapy could transform mental health services, giving hope to those who have struggled for years without effective treatment.
Dr. Meskerem and Dr. Surafel also hope the project will inspire wider collaboration, showing how innovative partnerships can help countries develop life-changing healthcare solutions, even in settings where resources are limited.