Background
The department of Public Health was established in 2008 by offering a BSc degree in health officer under the then College of Health and Medical Sciences (CHMS). The department aimed at producing competent and qualified graduates from the BSc. level to the terminal (third) degree levels to contribute to the ever-increasing health human resource needs of the public health sector in the country. The department has significantly contributed to the production of public health professionals that contribute to disease prevention, health promotion and treatment, educational programs, policy development, services administration, research, and regulatory services locally and internationally.
The department has passed through a series of transformational development, the then program of public health was transformed to the department of public health during 2015/16 and currently, the department is structured into five administrative divisions (three coordinating units namely human nutrition coordinating units, public health and health policy coordinating units, behavioral and health promotion coordinating units) and two program coordinators (PhD programs coordinator, undergraduate program coordinator). The department has been building capacities on the existing system to become accountable to lead the initiative of capacity building process through developing a common quality assurance framework of public health. After the transition, the department further strengthened teaching, research, and community services integrity using any available opportunities
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:
- Academic and Service Department Head
- Academic and Service Department Vice Head
- Examination Committee focal person
- Curriculum Committee focal person
- Discipline committee focal person
- Quality assurance focal person
- Social and gender focal person
Research and community service Committee focal person
