The frantic efforts of Jimma Hospital then looking for a specialist to operate her mom for myoma (tumor of uterus), has left an indelible mark on her and she decided to be a specialist to serve the people suffering from various maladies in the nation.
Dr Chaltu Nemomsa Beyene, the lone female in the 3rd batch of 46 ‘Doctors of Medicine,’ graduated on 26th November, 2016, a native of Gimbi woreda in Kafa Zone, deserved accolade for notching up 3.03 CGPA.
On previous studies, she said, ‘‘Having passed Grade 12, from Bonga Preparatory School, I set my heart on entering into clinical studies and fortunately, God gave the desires of my heart.’’
Hinting at subjects close to her heart, she says, in school she liked history; in university, it’s Internal Medicine and Gynecology; but surgical procedure is her trump card, because, she liked something doable that will satisfy her at the end of the day and possibly opt major surgery later.
On future plans, she avers, ‘‘Pursuing medical practice is my niche, but at the same time, I may go for specialization in Internal Medicine and if given chance, would stay with AMU, for soon it will get its Referral-cum-Teaching Hospital ready that will enable me to excel in my arena.’’
She isn’t satisfied with her achievement for she was expecting stronger CGPA. On study plans, she said, ‘‘Though, we were spending over six hours in practice, however, I managed to spend considerable time in studying theories.’’
Her teacher father, she said, ‘‘He always encouraged me to achieve something worthwhile in life.’’ The core of her persona wants her to be a family woman caring for each member, so that they grow in an absolutely conducive environment.’’
On adversities, she said, ‘‘No difficulties bogged me down for I have a fighting spirit within; during practice we had to spend over 12 hours and I skipped sleep several times, that in no way deterred me, on the contrary, I learnt to get acclimatized to any inhospitable conditions.’’
What pleases her the most, pat came the answer, ‘‘Seeing my patients relieved of pain and sickness.’’ With firmness in her voice, she visualizes that after five years, she will be a specialist in internal medicine. ‘‘I might go abroad for higher studies but would return to Ethiopia, to serve my own people as they need me the most,’’ she maintained.
Further, she says, ‘‘I want to earn money that will change the life situation of my family. Specially, I would like to support my siblings for better education.’’ Her father Nemomsa Beyene and eldest sister are teachers, mother, a housewife, and two more siblings are in the school.
On breaking the glass ceiling, she emphasized, ‘‘We have enough courage and intelligence to shatter it. The traditional belief will no longer be able to prevent female from doing what they want. Most importantly, when father comes to your support, nothing on earth can stop you.’’
Attributing the credit of her success, she said, ‘‘My doting father had played a great role in shaping up my life; and even AMU had been a pillar of strength in my journey.’’
(Corporate Communication Directorate)