Hello, About Me

I am Dr. Shewatatek Melaku Asefa, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and Assistant Professor at Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia, currently serving as the Vice Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine. My work lies at the intersection of veterinary clinical medicine, public health, and One Health approaches, with a strong commitment to improving animal health, human well-being, and community livelihoods.

With multidisciplinary academic training in veterinary medicine, public health, and management, I bring a holistic perspective to research, teaching, and leadership. I have extensive experience in higher education, having served in various academic and administrative roles including Department Head, Coordinator, and Dean-level positions.

My research focuses on infectious diseases, zoonoses, ethnoveterinary medicine, and antimicrobial resistance, contributing to both local and global health discussions. I am actively involved in collaborative research initiatives, including global burden of disease studies, and have co-authored publications in internationally recognized journals such as The Lancet.

Beyond academia, I am deeply engaged in community service and development. I lead and participate in projects aimed at improving livestock productivity, controlling zoonotic diseases like rabies, and supporting rural livelihoods through sustainable animal health interventions. I also provide free veterinary diagnostic and treatment services to underserved communities.

As a founding member of professional veterinary associations in Ethiopia and an active contributor to international organizations, I am passionate about advancing veterinary science, strengthening professional networks, and promoting evidence-based practices.

Interests

My interests encompass multidimensional thinking across science, philosophy, and religion. I am deeply motivated by the vision of establishing scientific platforms and supporting others through knowledge sharing and capacity building. Conducting impactful research and contributing to solutions for societal problems are at the core of my professional passion.

Currently, my primary areas of focus include:

• Veterinary Clinical Medicine and Animal Health
• One Health and Zoonotic Disease Control
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Antimicrobial Resistance in Veterinary Practice
• Ethnoveterinary Medicine and Sustainable Livestock Care
• Public Health and Community-Based Interventions
• Animal Welfare and Rabies Prevention
• Research, Data Analysis, and Evidence-Based Practice
• Academic Leadership and Capacity Building
• Rural Development and Livelihood Improvement through Livestock