Dr. MeKonnen H Birru

Dr. MeKonnen Birru's journey reflects both resilience and a strong sense of duty in the face of political upheaval. Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, he was not only a student at college but also trained as a student soldier at the Belati Airborne Training Center, where he demonstrated an early commitment to service and discipline. However, the collapse of the Derg regime and the ensuing political instability drastically altered the course of his life. As the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) fighters advanced, threatening the region and the military camps, Dr. Birru’s situation became increasingly precarious. In response to the imminent threat of the camp being raided, he was forced to flee directly from the military base to Kenya with several fellow students and soldiers, seeking refuge from the violence that engulfed Ethiopia at the time. This dangerous escape marked a pivotal moment in his life before he ultimately made his way to the United States. Dr. Birru's path from military training, through refuge in Kenya, to a new life in the U.S. speaks to his resilience and the powerful will to forge a better future despite overwhelming odds. He received a total of seven degrees over a period of fifteen years. His academic path is a testament to his dedication to both medicine and nursing. He earned two associate degrees from Houston Community College before completing his Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Bachelor of Science in Pre-Med at the University of Houston. He later received his Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in 2009, followed by a Master of Arts and a Doctorate in Behavioral Medicine. In addition to his academic achievements, Dr. Birru is an accomplished author. His first book, Tamera Menfies, which translates to The Passion of Price, marked the beginning of his literary career. In 2007, he wrote 222, later translated as Vanity of Vanities. In 2013, he achieved national acclaim with his bestselling book, Deep in True Self, available on Amazon. Dr. Birru has made significant contributions in both psychiatry and nursing. He has spent years preparing and publishing influential works such as Pass NCLEX on Your First Attempt, Understanding the Next Generation NCLEX, Mastery of NCLEX, Surviving Nursing School, and Surviving Medical School. These books reflect his dedication to guiding future healthcare professionals toward success. Currently residing in Texas with his wife and three sons, Dr. Birru also serves as a professor, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience with the next generation of students. .