Davit Aghayan, who settled in Norway and has a successful professional career, is a graduate of the Yerevan State Medical University named after Mkhitar Heratsi, Visiting Professor of the Department of Surgery of the Medical University.
Davit Aghayan is a Surgeon and Postdoctoral Researcher at Oslo University Hospital.
The 36-year-old doctor is the author and co-author of 40 peer-reviewed articles, 3 book chapters and dozens of publications in major national or international peer-reviewed journals.
We talked with a young and already successful specialist about the reasons for becoming a doctor, difficulties, challenges and advantages of the doctor’s profession, cooperation with the Alma Mater, as well as his dreams.
– Dr. Aghayan, let us start with your decision to become a doctor. How did it happen? Was that your dream?
– First of all, thank you for your interest and this opportunity. It’s my great honour to be interviewed by my Alma Mater.
Yes, it was my childhood dream to become a doctor. I knew that throughout this specialty, I could help/save people from suffering both mentally and physically. Maybe the fact that I spent my childhood in Kapan, Syunik, which during the first Artsakh war was subjected to bombings, and my family, as well as thousands of other families, spent many nights in bomb shelters, significantly impacted the choice of my profession.
– What kind of challenges can you mention in your profession?
– There are many challenges doctors face, starting from personal challenges to challenges that are related to ethical aspects and the healthcare system in general. Managing the emotional and psychological toll of dealing with patients suffering from serious illnesses or injuries is one of the biggest challenges for one who starts working as a doctor. Another big challenge is the management of heavy workloads and long work hours, which can lead to burnout and fatigue. At the same time, it is necessary to keep up with the latest medical research, advancements and changes in healthcare policies and regulations.
– What privileges do you enjoy?
– The main privilege the doctors enjoy is personal and professional satisfaction in helping patients and positively impacting their lives. Indeed, the prestige of being a doctor is still worth mentioning. It is often viewed as a highly respected and prestigious profession, and the public usually holds doctors in high regard. An important privilege is the continuous learning that makes the work intellectually stimulating.
Being a doctor also comes with a great deal of responsibility. It is also a stressful and demanding profession.
– Please, tell me about your career ladder. Was that easy?
– The short answer is no. But, of course, there have been both challenging and relatively easy situations. There were also situations that one could give up, but my motto has always been the professional interest and love that I have towards this profession. My slogan is: ‘keep calm and be patient.’
I am still climbing my career ladder and haven’t yet reached even the mid of the ladder.
– Who inspired or still inspires you on this path?
– I received inspiration from each and every person I worked with: the nurses, resident doctors, senior doctors, professors, etc. The list is very long, but I would like to mention Dr. Elman Amiryan, who exposed me to the field of General Surgery, which helped me in the choice of my specialty. Prof. Arthur Sahakyan, the most outstanding surgical oncologist I have ever worked with, mentored me before I moved to Norway. Prof. Sahakyan is a role model for many Armenian surgeons. My Norwegian mentor, supervisor, and senior friend, prof. Bjørn Edwin, a world-leading laparoscopic surgeon and scientist, inspired and helped me to enter the scientific world, resulting in many articles published in prestigious medical journals.
– Could you remember events that became a turning point in your professional life?
– The first turning point was the choice of specialization (General Surgery) and the start of my residency, where I could work in different hospitals. I ended up on Prof. Sahakyan’s team, where I met fantastic specialists and great people and learned a lot during a short period. Another turning point was the possibility that I got to do my Ph.D. in Prof. Edwin’s team and work as a researcher in surgery/surgical oncology. This helped me to broaden my mindset from patient- to population-oriented and vice versa.
– Let’s pass on your collaboration with specialists in Armenia. From your point of view, what can be the main spheres of cooperation with YSMU?
– I’m open to any collaboration with my colleagues working in Armenia that I currently do, but I believe there is more potential to extend this collaboration. Some years ago, specifically, in 2019, I travelled to Yerevan with my Norwegian colleagues, Prof. Bjorn Edwin, Prof. Knut Jorgen Labori and Dr. Åsmund Fretland to participate in a symposium on HPB surgery, where we held lectures and performed surgery (laparoscopic liver resection). Such collaborations could be more often, and we need to work harder to gain more from such collaborations.
– Do you have any dreams that haven’t been realized yet?
– Dreams are the main driving force of our lives, and it is with dreams and goals that we move forward and develop. In general, as a doctor and an Armenian, I dream of seeing my homeland as a developed country with an advanced healthcare system and hospitals. A healthcare system that allows everyone, independent of their social and financial status, to receive the medical care they need, from standard medical checks to advanced treatment. Each of us should work harder to achieve this in our lifetime.
– Do you manage to relax? Could you mention your hobbies?
– Yes, I try, and I think it works for me. Relaxing is essential; we all need time to time disconnect from everyday work routine and get mentally and physically energized. I enjoy hanging out with my family and friends and doing outdoor activities like playing football, skiing, camping, etc.
– What advice would you give to your future colleagues?
– For doctors, there is no limit to the professional information we receive daily. Medicine is constantly evolving, so be open to ongoing learning and professional development throughout your career. At the same time, remember to take care of yourselves. Take care of your physical and mental health, as burnout and stress can negatively impact your performance and well-being. Always have compassion and empathy in your interactions with patients. This can help build trust and have a huge positive impact on patients’ care. And last but not least, Teamwork. Healthcare and medicine are a team effort, and success depends on working effectively with others, including colleagues, staff, and patients. Without cooperation, no professor or famous professional would have had a successful career.
– Would you like to add something?
– I would love to thank you for this lovely interview and your interest in my profile!!!
Author: Tatevik Ghazaryan