Associate Professor & Consultant Surgeon - Dr. Yisihak Suga Debodina, M.D.
Specializing in Endocrine & Breast Surgery | Compassionate Surgical Care & Academic Leadership
Dr. Yisihak is an Associate Professor of Surgery and Head of the Endocrine & Breast Unit at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, providing evidence-based surgical care, training, and community outreach.
Specialized Care
Advanced surgical expertise in endocrine and breast conditions, offering individualized, evidence-based treatment plans.
Academic Excellence
Associate Professor dedicated to training and mentoring future surgeons through innovative teaching and curriculum development.
Research & Innovation
Active contributor to medical research with peer-reviewed publications that advance surgical knowledge and improve patient outcomes.
Community Outreach
Passionate about public health education, blood donation drives, and advocacy initiatives that benefit the wider community.
About Dr. Yisihak Suga
Debodina, M.D.
Dr. Yisihak Suga Debodina is an Associate Professor of Surgery and consultant in the Division of General Surgery at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College. He completed his M.D. with distinction from Addis Ababa University and holds board certification in General Surgery, plus a subspecialty in Endocrine & Breast Surgery. He combines clinical excellence with a strong academic and teaching record.


Clinical Services & Specialties
Offering comprehensive surgical evaluation, treatment, and follow-up with a focus on endocrine and breast conditions.
- Breast Surgery: Diagnosis and surgical treatment for benign and malignant breast disease, breast abscess management, breast cancer multidisciplinary care.
- Endocrine Surgery: Thyroid and parathyroid surgery including thyroid cancer management and post-operative care.
- General & Emergency Surgery: Management of acute surgical conditions, bowel and abdominal surgery, and emergency interventions.
- Surgical Consultation & Second Opinions: Evidence-based evaluations and tailored treatment plans.
- Training & Education: Undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, curriculum development for fellowship programs, and hands-on workshops.
Academic Leadership & Teaching
Dr. Yisihak has been part of the academic faculty since 2011. He currently serves as undergraduate coordinator for the Department of Surgery, has led student services, and has been heavily involved in residency and fellowship training especially in endocrine and breast surgery. He developed the breast & endocrine curriculum for the subspecialty program and regularly supervises students and residents.
- Undergraduate Coordinator, Department of Surgery (since 2020).
- Developed subspecialty breast & endocrine curriculum.
- Trainer for COVID-19 response, PPE and emergency protocols.


Research & Selected Publications
Active researcher with publications and case reports focused on thyroid disease, breast disease, surgical outcomes, and case-based surgical topics.
- Feasibility of sentinel lymph node biopsy in a resource limited setting Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences (accepted 2025).
- Surgical Management of Gestational Gigantomastia: A Case Report Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Global Open (2025).
- Multidisciplinary Management of Skull Metastatic Follicular Thyroid Cancer JCEM Case Reports (2024).
- Review of Breast Abscess Cases at a Tertiary Hospital Dovepress (2023).
- Post-Thyroidectomy Complications: Associated Factors and Outcomes Dovepress (2023).
Awards & Recognition
- Multiple “Best Senior” and “Best Surgeon” recognitions by students and residents.
- Certificates of appreciation for service at SPHMMC and Worabe Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.
Articles

Understanding Parathyroid and Endocrine Surgery in Ethiopia
Endocrine glands regulate vital body functions. When these glands develop tumors or overproduce hormones, surgery may be necessary. This article explains parathyroid and other endocrine surgeries available in Ethiopia and

Breast Cancer Surgery in Ethiopia: What Patients Should Expect
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Ethiopia. Early detection and proper surgical treatment significantly improve survival. In this article, Dr. Yisihak Suga Debodina, an Associate Professor

Comprehensive Guide to Thyroid Surgery in Ethiopia: What Patients Should Know
Thyroid surgery is one of the most common endocrine operations performed in Ethiopia today. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with a thyroid nodule, goiter, or thyroid cancer, understanding the process can
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions does Dr. Yisihak treat?
Endocrine (thyroid, parathyroid) and breast conditions, elective and emergency general surgery cases, and surgical complications.
Does he accept referrals and second opinions?
Yes — referrals and second-opinion consultations are welcome.
Does Dr. Yisihak treat both adults and children?
Yes. While most cases are adult endocrine and breast conditions, pediatric referrals for surgical evaluation are also accepted.
What should I bring to my first consultation?
Please bring previous medical reports, lab or imaging results, a referral letter if you have one, and a list of your current medications.
Does he offer teleconsultations or second opinions online?
Yes, you may request a teleconsultation or an online review of your case files for a second opinion before traveling.