On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, Soddo Christian Hospital hosted a memorable White Coat Ceremony honoring three new residents:
- Dr. Sirak (PAACS Soddo / CURE Orthopaedic Surgery)
- Dr. Betsegaw (PAACS Soddo General Surgery)
- Dr. Fitsum (PAACS Soddo General Surgery)
The event was attended by faculty and staff of Soddo Christian Hospital, with participation from Dr. Tim Nunn, Program Director of PAACS Orthopaedics. The ceremony was organized by Dr. Rachel Cobos and Dr. Gezahegn, with messages shared by new faculty members Dr. Natnael (GS), Dr. Yohannes (GS), and Dr. Abenezer (Ortho).
The program began with an address from Dr. Rachel Cobos, who reflected on the Temptations of Jesus and their relevance during training years and beyond. Jesus was presented with temptations to matter, to be impressive, and to have power, all of which He countered with the truth of the Word. The rest of us face very similar temptations. May we remember that our significance comes not from the world, but from our identity in Christ.
Then Scripture was read from the Gospel of John, recalling Jesus’s act of foot washing, which senior staff symbolically reenacted by washing the incoming residents' feet. The profession of surgery can tend toward pride, but the foot washing ceremony reminds us that we are called to serve, just as Jesus came to serve, not to be served.
What we do in the process of following Jesus may seem unimportant, unimpressive, and weak to the world (the work of servants). However, we do it not for the praise and admiration of the world, but for the hope set before us. New white coats, jackets, and hats were then distributed.
The ceremony included prayers for the residents and their training, affirming confidence in their successful progression through their programs. The presence of Mr. Ephraim Gabrielle Selassie, CEO of Soddo Christian Hospital, alongside faculty and all cadres of staff, underscored the unity of the hospital community in celebrating this milestone.
This occasion was a profound reminder of humility, service, and dedication, marking the beginning of a significant journey for the three newly invested residents.
“I am deeply convinced that the Christian leader of the future is called to be completely irrelevant and to stand in this world with nothing to offer but his or her own vulnerable self. That is the way Jesus came to reveal God’s love.” - Henry Nouwen
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” - Philippians 2:3-8
Tim Nunn, MD
Program Director, Orthopaedic Surgery
Soddo Christian/CURE-Ethiopia Hospital, Ethiopia
Rachel Cobos, MD, MPH
Interim Program Director, General Surgery
Soddo Christian Hospital, Ethiopia
