In the courtyard of Yerevan State Medical University named after Mkhitar Heratsi, at the “Green Zone” student area, a solemn ceremony was held to welcome the newly admitted first-year students.
Announcing the official start of the 2025-2026 academic year, YSMU Rector, Professor Armen Muradyan greeted the new members of the large “Heratsi” family.
“Having overcome the difficult entrance examinations, today you are joining the great White Army, entrusted with the responsibility for people’s health and lives. First and foremost, I wish for you to truly love the path you have chosen. And let me assure you — if at any point during these years you feel unsure or struggle, the greatest challenge you will face is to ask yourselves whether you made the right decision by choosing the responsible path of becoming a physician.
The long and intense academic journey at the medical university will first and foremost instill in you a deep sense of responsibility — a responsibility symbolized by the white coats you wear today for the first time. This is an immense obligation. Know that whether you are wearing the coat or not, people will always see in you a figure they trust. A physician’s authority carries great influence and even greater responsibility.
This must be demonstrated not only through your conduct and professional ethics, but also through your evidence-based approach, your initiative, and your boundless compassion,” the Rector said, emphasizing that there were no successful or reputable doctors who had not lived with the pain and problems of others.
“From today, your time is no longer your own; your personal space is no longer just yours. You have chosen a path where you will live primarily through the concerns and sufferings of others. You are joining a great family that for 100 years has served our people and also other nations, whose students have come from distant countries to study in Armenia.
From this day forward, you become part of that family — the very hands that helped deliver your parents, grandparents. For a century, those studying within these walls have brought health to our people and stood at the forefront during all crises — wars or pandemics.
Whether you serve individuals or entire nations, remember: Heratsi alumni have always led by example — with their knowledge, discipline, and sense of duty. I promise you that here you will receive everything that modern medical education can offer. Moreover, I assure you that you will not only come to know, hear, and observe your instructors — you will learn from them, respect them, and love them.
They are individuals of great depth, who have educated generations. From the outset, you must treat them with the utmost reverence,” Professor Muradyan emphasized, adding that many of the current faculty members are themselves graduates of the university, and the new students will meet and work with them — they will not be the first generation to experience their high standards and rigorous expectations.
As a result, another generation will be formed — proudly and confidently bearing the name “Heratsi alumni,” and dedicating themselves to a life of noble service.
“Welcome to Yerevan State Medical University named after Mkhitar Heratsi,” the Rector solemnly declared.
After the opening ceremony, the deans and academic coordinators of each faculty presented detailed information to the new students about the academic process, addressing all questions and clarifying important details.