It has already been four years since Armenian Professor of Surgery and Oncology Sarkis Meterissian, who lives and works in Canada, has joined the list of Adjunct Professors at YSMU.
Sarkis Meterissian is a Professor at the Department of Surgery in the Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, and works at the Department of Surgery, Division of Adult General Surgery, MUHC. He has been to Armenia twice but hopes to visit again very soon.
We talked to a leading Armenian specialist about the attractiveness of the medical profession, its challenges and advantages, his unfulfilled dreams, the hobbies, as well as the important features for a doctor.
– Professor, let us start with your decision to become a doctor and a researcher. How did it happen? Was that your dream?
– Since high school, I have always been interested in biology and the human body. In college, I realized that I wanted to go into dentistry. Ironically, a summer job in an Armenian dentist’s office made me question my career orientation. In my final year of college, I decided to apply to medicine and was accepted on my first try, much to my surprise as the process is very competitive. Once in medical school I was fascinated with anatomy and, during my clerkship, surgery interested me greatly. I was excited to go to the operating room and the idea of curing disease with a scalpel captured my attention. Finally, I opted for a career in surgical oncology as I saw it as an opportunity to perform surgery as well as cutting-edge research. Presently I am a busy surgeon as well as a clinician scientist, and I love it immensely.
– What kind of challenges can you mention in the medical profession?
– The two biggest challenges in the medical profession are time and resources. I wish there was more time in the day to perform research, write grants, give lectures and see patients. It is very hard to combine a busy clinical practice with a successful research career. Resources are always a challenge; may it be in the hospital or the laboratory. Everything revolves around money; thus, I spend a lot of time fund-raising and writing grants.
– What privileges do you enjoy being a professor in medical field?
– As I am a Professor of Surgery and Oncology, I enjoy the benefit of working with students and residents. They always keep me on my toes as I have to be up-to-date with the literature as well as a patient teacher in- and outside of the operating room.
– Please, tell a little bit about your career ladder. Was it easy?
– The career path of an academic is difficult. You are judged on the number of grants obtained and the number of papers published. At the same time, you must be good clinically in order for doctors to refer patients to you. This balance of clinical and non-clinical is difficult and stressful. It is for this reason that many young people opt for non-academic careers. However, I must say that I have enjoyed the mix of the two as my research has helped my clinical work and vice-versa.
– Could you remember events that became a turning point in your professional life?
– I cannot remember a specific turning point but, if there is any advice, I have to give to young people looking for a job in a University, it is to choose a place where they can be mentored. My successes are entirely due to the mentors I had who facilitated my career both in the laboratory and the operating room.
– Do you have dreams that haven’t been realized yet?
– I am fortunate to say that most of my dreams have been realized except for the opportunity to teach at YSMU. My dream is to be at YSMU surrounded by eager and wide-eyed students listening to my words of wisdom as I lecture on breast cancer or other aspects of surgical oncology. I know that day will come.
– Please, tell a little bit about your family.
– I have been married for 33 years and have 3 adult children, none of whom selected medicine as a career. I am happy that they chose their own career path, and they are all very happy. I have one cute and energetic grandchild and hopefully many more on the way.
– Do you manage to relax? Could you mention your hobbies?
– I relax by playing cards, reading nonfiction, watching movies and walking my beloved dog, Albert. Albert relaxes me, and I firmly believe in the benefits of dog therapy.
– Let’s talk about Armenia. How would you describe the sphere of medicine in Armenia, as well as the level of cooperation with YSMU?
– I feel that medicine has made significant advances over the last 2 decades in Armenia. Armenian doctors practice state-of-the-art medicine and surgery. I feel that doctors in the Diaspora have an obligation to help their brothers and sisters with their knowledge and experience. I look forward to increased participation in the activities of YSMU. I have been an Adjunct professor since 2018, and I look forward to visiting and participating in teaching activities at YSMU.
– As an experienced Doctor and Professor, what advice would you give to your future colleagues?
– My advice would be to make sure you maintain a good work/life balance. Working hard is important and will lead to National and International success and recognition. But, work alone is not sufficient, and life passes by too quickly. You must find time for your families, your hobbies and yourselves. By taking care of yourself outside of medicine you will be better doctors.
– What is important for a doctor?
– The most important thing for a doctor is to be reflective. Reflect on your successes and failures. Cherish your successes and learn from your mistakes. Reflect on your life, where you are now and where you want to be in 10 years. Work hard, but take care of yourself and your loved ones.
Author: Tatevik Ghazaryan