The 3rd International Health Research Conference at Hawassa University organized by the College of Medicine and Health Sciences has been highlighted by the university's recognition of Dr. Fekade Yeraklie, one of the outstanding doctors at the college, for a lifelong service and great accomplishments.
Born and raised in Addis Ababa, Dr. Fekade Yeraklie completed his primary and secondary education in the capital before embarking on a lifelong journey in medicine. He earned his first degree in Medicine from the Jimma Institute of Health Sciences (now Jimma University). Driven by a commitment to clinical excellence, he further advanced his expertise by specializing in Pathology at Addis Ababa University, a move that would eventually allow him to transform diagnostic medicine in Ethiopia.
A Legacy of Service and Sacrifice
With a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years, Dr. Fekade’s journey began with a profound commitment to grassroots healthcare, serving for two years as a General Practitioner at Wanago Hospital. His dedication to his country extended beyond the clinical setting when he answered the national call during the Ethio-Eritrean war. Serving as a medic on the front lines, he demonstrated extraordinary bravery and professional duty under the most challenging conditions.
Pioneering Pathology and Institutional Building
Upon joining Debub University (now Hawassa University), Dr. Fekade became a transformative figure in Ethiopian specialized medicine.
His visionary leadership led to several landmark achievements:
[ ] Founder of the Pathology Unit: Leveraging his specialized training, he established the first-ever Pathology Unit at Hawassa Referral Hospital, filling a critical gap in diagnostic services for the region.
[ ] Global Collaboration: Recognizing the need for modern technology, he partnered with German institutions to successfully import and implement advanced medical equipment, elevating the standard of care in the public sector.
[ ] Academic Architect: He was the driving force behind the initiation and establishment of the Pathology Specialty training program at Hawassa Referral Hospital, ensuring a sustainable pipeline of homegrown specialists.
National Impact and Mentorship
Dr. Fekade’s footprint is truly national in scale. Over the decades, he has provided essential medical services to an estimated 20 million people across the South Ethiopia, Sidama, and Oromia regions. His commitment to education is equally vast; he is known for touring the entire country to provide lectures to medical students, ensuring that geographic barriers did not hinder the quality of medical training.
Beyond the classroom, he has been a pillar of support for the broader Ethiopian academic community, contributing extensively to curriculum revisions, serving as an external examiner, and advising numerous healthcare institutions across the country.
Recognition
In honor of his "service-first" philosophy and his tireless work in the public hospital system, Dr. Fekade Yeraklie was formally recognized by the Federal Ministry of Health with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
At the 3rd International Health Research Conference, Dr. Fekade is celebrated as a man whose three decades of service embody the perfect synergy of clinical expertise, academic rigor, and unwavering patriotism. Dr. Fekade is not merely a physician; he is a pioneer and a national elder whose legacy is etched into the very fabric of Ethiopia’s health system.
Congratulations Dr. Fekade and thank you for your Service!
