About Me
Dr Kalkidan Yohannes
As a passionate mental health researcher, educator, and clinician, I am dedicated to improving lives through evidence-based practice, advocacy, and service. In 2025, I earned my PhD in medical sciences from Uppsala University, Sweden, where I was affiliated with the Centre for Health and Sustainability and the WOMHER (Women’s Mental Health during the Reproductive Lifespan) research initiative. My academic journey also includes graduating with a Silver Medal as the second-ranked student from a Master of Science programme in Integrated Clinical and Community Mental Health at the University of Gondar (2014–2016). Furthermore, I attained the status of Bachelor of Science in Psychiatry Nursing (2009–2012) from the same institution. Over the years, my research has focused on various critical and complex mental health challenges, ranging from health systems and service delivery to policy, gender-based violence, and the lived experiences of vulnerable populations. In particular, I have a deep interest in using innovative and participatory research methods—such as photovoice—to amplify the voices of marginalised communities in order to influence social and policy change. My scholarly work has been published in high-impact international journals, thereby contributing to global conversation in both mental health and public health.
My Journey in Psychiatry and Leadership
My psychiatry journey began in 2013, when I joined Dilla University as an assistant lecturer in the Department of Psychiatry. What began as a commitment to teaching and mental healthcare soon evolved into leadership roles that allowed me to tackle broader academic and institutional priorities. After serving first as the head of the psychiatry department, I then became the college coordinator for the Educational Development Centre and Quality Assurance Office. In 2018, I was appointed as Gender Director at the Directorate office of Youth and Women, where I worked to promote gender equity across the university community. In parallel to my teaching responsibilities, I practised clinically at Dilla University Referral Hospital, providing psychiatric care and mentoring students during their clinical rotations in both hospital and community settings. Ongoing clinical engagement such as this has continued to inform and enrich my research, teaching, and leadership work. Beyond the university, I have been involved in community engagement initiatives, working closely with colleagues at Dilla University to bridge academic research and local mental health needs. Examples of these initiatives include awareness campaigns, outreach programmes, and service innovations focused on improving access to mental health support in underserved communities.
In addition to this, I have also contributed to national mental health policy efforts, including the development of psychiatric nursing standards in collaboration with the Ethiopian Ministry of Health and the Clinton Health Access Initiative. Collectively, these experiences have deepened my understanding of system-level challenges and the importance of integrated, context-sensitive health interventions. In 2018/2019, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education – a recognition that remains one of the most meaningful milestones in my career – honoured me with a Certificate of Recognition as an Outstanding Female Researcher.
I am a passionate mental health researcher, educator, and clinician dedicated to improving lives through evidence-based practice, advocacy, and service.