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About the Journal

About the Ethiopian Medical Journal

The Ethiopian Medical Journal (EMJ) is Ethiopia's oldest medical journal and the official organ of the Ethiopian Medical Association (EMA). Founded in 1962, EMJ has played a pivotal role in advancing and disseminating medical knowledge not only in Ethiopia but across Africa. Published quarterly in online open-access formats, the Journal features high-quality research spanning clinical medicine, biomedical sciences, public health, and traditional medicine. The EMJ is committed to upholding rigorous peer-review standards and publishes impactful research that informs healthcare policy and practice, improves clinical outcomes, and empowers healthcare professionals throughout the continent. We welcome contributions from diverse authors and encourage researchers, policymakers, and healthcare practitioners to explore the wealth of knowledge available in the EMJ and join us in advancing medical science for Ethiopia and beyond.

Aims and Scope

EMJ operates as an open-access, double-blind peer-reviewed medical journal, committed to publishing scientifically rigorous and influential research across various domains including Clinical medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Preventive medicine, Traditional medicine, and related fields under the broad umbrella of Medicine. The submission of research manuscripts spanning diverse topics, particularly Original Articles, is strongly encouraged. Additionally, we welcome comprehensive reviews addressing relevant subjects (Reviews), as well as reports detailing new, interesting, or exceptionally rare cases (Case Reports).

Objectives

The primary objectives of EMJ include Disseminating timely and pertinent medical information crucial for informing policy decisions and driving scientific progress in Ethiopia and other developing nations. Advocating for the advancement of preventive and curative medicine, rooted in dynamic medical practices, to address the evolving healthcare needs of diverse populations.

Journal History

Ethiopia’s oldest medical journal, The Ethiopian Medical Journal (EMJ) is the official organ of the Ethiopian Medical Association (EMA). The journal first appeared under the title of both Amharic “የኢትዮጵያ ሕክምና ጋዜጣ” and English “Ethiopian Medical Journal” in July 1962. Since then, the quarterly journal played an important role by recording the progress of scientific medicine and assisting in rendering the practice of medicine in all its branches and academic medicine in Ethiopia and Africa at large.

The cover page was a yellow color with a white logo of the Ethiopian Medical Association in between the Amharic and English titles. Volume 1, No. 2 published October 1962, appeared in the same title but with little change in the Amharic title "የኢትዮጵያ ሕክምና ጋዜጣ“ (ጋዜጣ replaced by ዜና“). The color of the cover pages changed to red in the second volume and green in the third volume, but with no change in the appearance of the title and logo. The color changes in cover pages continued in the same order as above until the sixth volume. In the beginning, some of the volumes had five issues while others had four. The journal started in July 1962 and the first volume had five issues that ended in July 1963. Volumes 2, 3, 4, and 5 run from October to July 1963-64, 1964-65, 1965-66, and 1966-67, respectively, with four issues each.

In Volume 6, No. 1, the Amharic title “የኢትዮጵያ ሕክምና ዜና”  was removed, and the English title was lifted to the top right end, the color was green with a white logo of Ethiopian Medical Association moved to the bottom left and contents of articles were written on the cover page. Improvement in the design, layout, and general presentation introduced then continued in the successive years until the 5th decade which appeared in a larger format with A4 size paper. Abstracts were printed in English and French from the beginning until Volume 14, No. 1; 1976, when, French was no more in use.

Ethiopian Medical Association

The Ethiopian medical Association (EMA) is a membership organization representing Medical Doctors registered to practice in Ethiopia, with a vision to see healthy and Prosperous Ethiopian community having access to quality health services, and mission to ensure the community gets quality health service EMA promotes the highest standards in Medical Education, Science and Art, and it ensures the rights and benefits of Medical doctors.

Ethiopian Medical Association has published the Ethiopian Medical journal since its establishment in 1962 and works in partnership with different stakeholders, including Governmental, non-governmental, private, international, and local organizations to realize its objectives.

The Ethiopian Medical Association has ten branch offices in five regions Tigray, Amara, Southern Nations and Nationalities, Oromia, and Harari. It engages its members in multiple approaches including the recently launched Junior Doctors Network and network of Ethiopian Diaspora Doctors.

Management of the Ethiopian Medical Association

Tegbar Yigzaw Sendekie - President

Qualifications: MD, MPH, PhD

Has over two decades of work experience, including leading donor-funded health systems strengthening projects, public health and health professions education teaching and advising, and serving in board membership in professional associations, higher education institutions and hospitals.  

Amal Saleh Nour - Vice President

Qualifications: MD

Medical Doctor, Radiologist with a sub-specialty in Neuroradiology. Associate Professor of Radiology in the department of radiology at the School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University. Served as the dean of the School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University.

Bisrat Demeke Shiferaw - General Secretary

Qualifications: MD, MPH

Currently working as an Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine at St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC). Serves on the Executive Board of the Ethiopian Society of Internal Medicine (ESIM) as the Ethical Affairs Director and is also an Executive Board Member of the Ethiopian Medical Association (EMA), where she contributes as a member of the Medical Care Committee.

Bahiru Bezabih  W/Giorgis

Qualifications: MD

Assistant Professor at Addis Ababa University since 1990 and is a senior consultant orthopedic surgeon with international experience. He has held key leadership roles, including Chairperson of the Department of Orthopedics and Medical Director at Black Lion Hospital, Chair of the Ethiopian Orthopedic Society, and Vice President of the Ethiopian Paralympic Committee.

Amezene Tadesse Robelie

Qualifications: MD, MSC, FCS ECSA, FACS

A highly accomplished pediatric surgeon and educator, holds a master’s degree in Health Professional Education from Addis Ababa University and has completed numerous international trainings, including fellowships at the University of Washington and Oxford University. He has held key academic leadership roles, published over 34 peer-reviewed articles, and serves as an examiner and reviewer for several reputable institutions and journals. A recipient of prestigious awards, including the American College of Surgeons International Guest Scholars Award, Prof. Amezene is actively involved in global surgery initiatives and health system strengthening projects in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Abenezer Tirsit Aklilu

Qualifications: MD, PhD

A neurosurgeon at Addis Ababa University in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He has over 8 years of experience in neurosurgery. He is a highly skilled and experienced neurosurgeon. He is also a dedicated teacher and mentor, and he is actively involved in research. He is passionate about providing his patients with the highest quality of neurosurgical care. He is committed to helping his patients achieve optimal outcomes and to improving their quality of life.

Natan Muluberhan Alemseged

Qualifications: MD

Dr. Natan Muluberhan a chief medical specialist in Emergency Medicine and Critical Care specialis (EMCC), currently serving as the department head at Haramaya University's Hiwot Fana Hospital. I have also masters degree in epidemiology. I have five years of experience that blends clinical expertise with a strong academic foundation. Beyond my medical practice, I have a role as a researcher, social entrepreneur, and mentor.