Heroic Doctor Dashes from Wedding to Save Patient’s Life

In a remarkable act of dedication, Dr Biruk Weyisha interrupted his own wedding to perform a life-saving operation on a patient in southern Ethiopia.

Just as he was preparing to exchange vows, Dr Biruk received an urgent call: a 40-year-old man at a nearby hospital, 40 kilometers away, needed emergency surgery for a life-threatening stomach condition. As the hospital’s only surgical specialist, Dr Biruk faced a difficult choice but felt compelled to act.

“Whether I operate on this patient or not, the outcome will affect my life in future. If I don’t operate on this patient, I will be blaming myself for a lifetime. If I treat this patient, even if the patient dies, I did whatever I could,” he explained.

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Without hesitation, Dr Biruk boarded a public bus, leaving his understanding bride behind. His swift action paid off—the patient survived, and Dr Biruk was able to return and continue his wedding celebrations. The story quickly spread on social media, drawing well-wishers to join the festivities.

Reflecting on the experience, Dr Biruk said it has only strengthened his resolve to help others: “It positively affects your whole life. It makes me eager to do more surgeries on other people… It makes me so happy.”