Fekede Gemechu, MD
Retired June 2004

- Panorama City Medical Center
- Fontana Medical Center
- Riverside Medical Center

I have been associated with SCPMG, in some capacity, since 1978.  I retired in 2004 after 26 years in General Surgery.  While I have been able to enjoy family visits and short travels during my retirement, the majority of my time now is spent fundraising for an education and health care project in Ethiopia that I started in 1994.

As a physician, my dream had always been to return to my homeland to promote education and health services.  To raise funds and support projects, I helped create a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, International Medical and Academic Alliance (IMAA).  Through the IMAA, we have been able to support the development of The Learning Village in Kalaala, Ethiopia (www.ethiopialearningvillage.com). The mission of The Learning Village is to enhance the community by reducing poverty, facilitate healthful living, and create opportunities and hope.  Thanks to the generous support of our donors and the tireless work of our volunteers, IMAA is able to subsidize the health care and education of hundreds of children at The Learning Village.

Now, in my retirement, I plan to continue the growth and development of the project we started years ago.  I am proud to say that Riverside Kaiser employees and physicians have been supporting IMAA and The Learning Village through the United Way for more than 12 years!  We would love to have volunteers – particularly from SCPMG – who can work with us to support the health and education of disadvantaged people.  

After two and a half decades with SCPMG, what I enjoy most about being retired is having the freedom to do what you want to do, rather than what you have to do.  As an SCPMG retiree, I know that I can continue using my experience and resources to help others.