Page 15 - Ross Med Day CHS May 26 2026 PROGRAM

Expert and compassionate care for patients and their families.

Visionary Leadership

Dr. Gudata Sado Hinika, MD, FACS, serves as the Chief of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery
at California Hospital Medical Center (CHMC) in Los Angeles. Born in rural Oromia,
Ethiopia, he overcame significant challenges during his upbringing.

Dr. Hinika pursued education in the United States, earning his medical degree from Loma
Linda University School of Medicine. He completed his General Surgery residency at Martin
Luther King Jr. Hospital and is board-certified in his specialty.

Since 2004, Dr. Hinika has led the trauma and general surgery department at CHMC, one of
Los Angeles' busiest private trauma centers. Beyond his medical practice, he founded
Ethiopia Health Aid in 2007, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving healthcare
and education in underserved Ethiopian communities.

Notably, he established the Negele Arsi General Hospital and Medical College in rural
"You have to be prepared to take Ethiopia, providing essential medical services and training to a population of over one
in every single person with only million people. Dr. Hinika is also the author of "Healer's Light: Achieving the Impossible," a

one intent - to heal." memoir detailing his journey from Ethiopia to becoming a prominent surgeon and

philanthropist in the United States.
Gudata Sado Hinika, MD, FACS

A Passion for Equitable Care and Community Health

California Hospital Medical Center (CHMC), located in downtown Los Angeles, has been a vital part of the city’s healthcare

landscape since its founding in 1887. Originally established by Dr. Walter Lindley, the hospital has grown alongside Los

Angeles, adapting to the evolving healthcare needs of the community.

As one of the city's oldest hospitals, CHMC has played a crucial role in serving a diverse population, particularly underserved

and low-income communities. It has been at the forefront of emergency medicine, maternal and child health, and trauma

care, with a busy Level II Trauma Center. Over the years, the hospital has expanded its services, including cardiac care,

orthopedic surgery, and cancer treatment, reinforcing its commitment to comprehensive healthcare.

CHMC’s impact extends beyond patient care. As a safety-net hospital, it has been instrumental in addressing public health

crises, from early 20th-century epidemics to modern challenges like homelessness, mental health, and access to care. Its

partnership with local organizations and medical training programs ensures the next generation of healthcare professionals

is prepared to serve urban populations.

Through its dedication to compassionate care, CHMC remains a cornerstone of Los Angeles' healthcare system, improving

lives and strengthening the community’s well-being.

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