Dr. Mekbib Abebe
General Surgery Resident
Soddo Christian Hospital
Ethiopia
Raised by two school teachers in Ethiopia, Dr. Mekbib Abebe learned the importance of education from a young age. His journey toward medicine began with the National University entrance exam, leading him to medical school where a rotation in surgery first piqued his interest. It was during his surgical internship, however, that Dr. Mekbib saw the profound impact that successful surgeries could have on the lives of patients. After medical school, Dr. Mekbib worked as a general practitioner in Hossana for two and a half years where he handled numerous trauma cases. He was able to assist those with minor injuries, and there he felt a deeper calling to specialize in surgery—a path he feels God let him towards.
Dr. Mekbib joined the PAACS General Surgery program at Soddo Christian Hospital (SCH) in 2023, after learning about it from his dorm mates. At PAACS, he discovered a blend of rigorous surgical training and spiritual growth. "My calling as a surgeon is to reflect God's glory through my work. As a PAACS resident, I have the privilege of sharing my faith and praying with my patients while addressing their physical needs,” Dr. Mekbib shares. “I hope to continue sharing the gospel of Christ and praying for my patients throughout the remainder of my training, and I aim to continue this practice after graduating and practicing surgery.”
A pivotal moment in Dr. Mekbib’s training occurred during his second-year rotation at Arsi Negele Hospital. There, he was integral in managing a critical case—a patient with a life-threatening gunshot wound to the neck, which damaged his larynx and upper trachea. Working alongside a PAACS graduate surgeon and the attending physician, they performed a tracheostomy and tracheal repair, with the patient making a remarkable improvement. He was not a believer in Christ, but throughout the patient's hospital stay, Dr. Mekbib and the team continually offered prayer and shared the gospel with him, giving glory to God.
Months later, Dr. Mekbib returned to SCH after completing his rotation. In what was more than mere coincidence, he crossed paths with that same patient during ward rounds. The man had undergone decannulation, his tracheostomy tube removed, marking a significant recovery. As the patient spotted Dr. Mekbib, his smile was unforgettable. "I immediately recognized him when I saw his tracheostomy site. The joy on his face was evident," recalls Dr. Mekbib. Memories of their surgical encounter at Arsi Negele Hospital came flooding back.
Dr. Mekbib felt that the Lord had not merely arranged for the patient to be there as part of a medical follow-up but as a living testament to the healing and hope that PAACS surgeons strive to provide in their work. Seeing him thriving was a powerful reminder of God’s presence and the miraculous ways He orchestrates our lives. Dr. Mekbib reflects, "It was clear to me that God was guiding us in caring for this patient. Praise the Lord!”
As Dr. Mekbib advances in his career, he remains committed to lifelong learning and growth in the field of surgery. Through PAACS, he continues to embrace the dual role of surgeon and disciple, delivering compassionate care that goes beyond mere physical treatment. With a prayerful heart, Dr. Mekbib seeks strength and courage to faithfully follow God’s will, ensuring that each step he takes glorifies God and showcases His majesty through his work and training.
