About the Department

admin IHS 13 February 2026 Hits: 172 0 minutes read

Anesthesiology is a critical field in modern healthcare, focusing on perioperative care, pain management, critical care, and emergency services. It is a dynamic and challenging medical specialty that blends science and art in the care of surgical and critically ill patients. Beyond hospitals, anesthetists support community health through preventive and curative services. The field evolves rapidly, requiring graduates to stay up to date on new techniques, educational methods, and innovations to ensure high-quality patient care.

In Ethiopia, non-physician anesthesia training began in the mid-1970s at the Duke of Harar Memorial Hospital (now Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital). Over time, programs expanded from advanced diplomas to BSc and master’s degrees. The ‘generic’ BSc program, launched at the University of Gondar in 2003, allows students to enter anesthesia training directly after school. Today, most anesthesia services are provided by non-physician anesthetists, but shortages remain due to long training periods and limited retention.

To address these gaps, the Federal Ministry of Health developed a nationally harmonized, competency-based curriculum for the generic BSc program in 2019, which was revised to an outcome-based curriculum in 2025, to ensure clear objectives and alignment with national anesthesia service needs. The program integrates new modules recommended in the national education roadmap (2018–2030) to produce graduates equipped for modern surgical care.

Overview of the anesthesia department

The Department of Anesthesia at Wollega University, established in 2019, enrolled 17 students in its first class. The department emphasizes training ethical, competent professionals through a combination of classroom learning and hands-on clinical experience in affiliated hospitals. Students gain practical skills in operating theatres, intensive care units, and emergency settings, preparing them to deliver safe anesthesia care.

Beyond teaching, the department engages in research, clinical services, and community health initiatives, contributing to patient safety and advancing anesthesia practice.

The generic BSc anesthesia program combines general education, biomedical sciences, social and population health, and specialized clinical anesthesia modules. Students gain foundational knowledge in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and anesthesia principles, as well as key clinical areas including internal medicine, surgery, orthopedics, pediatrics, and obstetrics.

Hands-on learning is central to the program. Through skill labs and hospital attachments, students develop the practical and professional abilities needed for perioperative care. Clinical rotations in operating theatres, intensive care units, and emergency departments further build their confidence and competence, preparing them to provide safe and effective anesthesia care.

Leadership History of the Department of Anesthesia

The Department of Anesthesia was established in 2019 GC., marking an important step in strengthening anesthesia education and clinical services within the institution. Since its establishment, the department has been guided by committed leadership that has contributed to its growth and development:

Nega Desalegn (MSc, Assistant Professor) served as the founding Head of the Department from 2019 to 2023 G.C. He played a key role in laying the foundation, organizing academic programs, and initiating clinical training services.
In 2023 G.C., leadership was transitioned to Gutu Leta (MSc, Lecturer), who continued building on the established groundwork, strengthening academic activities, and supporting the expansion of departmental functions.
In 2026, G.C. Gemechis Akuma (MSc, Lecturer), assumed the position of Department Head. Under his leadership, the department has focused on improving training quality, advancing academic performance, and enhancing service delivery.

Administrative Structures: