Tsion Firew

Tsion is a distinguished leader in the field of emergency medicine, currently serving as Chair of Emergency Medicine at Africa Health Sciences University in Rwanda and as an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at New York University. With an extensive and impactful career, Tsion has contributed significantly to global health policy and emergency care. She served for six years as an advisor to Ethiopia’s Minister of Health on Emergency Care and Strategic Partnerships, where she played a pivotal role in shaping national health strategies.

Before assuming her current role, Tsion was an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine and Clinical Faculty at Columbia University in New York. Her expertise was further demonstrated during the Marburg outbreak in Rwanda, where she played a key role in the emergency response, reinforcing her commitment to global health and infectious disease management.

Tsion has been a passionate advocate for emergency care on the international stage. She co-authored a groundbreaking resolution on Emergency Care, working closely with the Ministry of Health and other key stakeholders to secure widespread support and successfully lead its adoption at the World Health Assembly. She is a strong proponent of high-quality global emergency medicine, Universal Health Coverage, and advancing women’s leadership in healthcare.

In addition to her academic and clinical achievements, Tsion became a prominent voice during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a guest speaker and regular contributor to CNN, BBC, VOA, NPR, and other major media outlets, she provided expert insights and guidance on emergency care and public health responses.

Tsion is also an active member of the MedPage Today Editorial Board and the WHO’s Technical Advisory Group on Integrated Clinical Care. Her influence extends to digital platforms, where she has been recognized as one of "Medscape’s 10 Women in Medicine You Need to Follow" and named by Medium as one of "50 Experts to Trust in a Pandemic."

Tsion's leadership, expertise, and advocacy have made her a key figure in advancing emergency medicine globally and championing health equity for all.