In the 2025–2026 academic year, 709 first-year students joined the large “Heratsi” family across the Faculties of General Medicine, Stomatology, Pharmacy, and Military Medicine.
Opening its doors to the new cohort, Armenia’s premier medical institution welcomed the students as they embarked on the challenging yet noble journey of becoming physicians.
The deans of the faculties, congratulating students on their important decision, emphasized the essential roles of knowledge, dedication, and humanism in medical education. They also presented the structure, approaches, and core directions of the academic process.
“You are beginning a new journey — the most important path of your life — and you have chosen one of the most honorable professions. Medicine is not only an immensely important science; it is also an art — and each of you, in your own way, are artists. This path demands strict discipline, compassion, commitment, and continuous self-development.
It will shape your value system and introduce you to the most fascinating world of medicine.
Dear students, today you become part of a living, beating heart — united by awareness, devotion, and a great sense of purpose. Today, it is your turn.
The university has produced countless graduates who are now in-demand professionals in Armenia and across the globe. I am confident you will continue this mission. You are entering an institution that offers every condition necessary to support your success,” Dr. Karine Baroyan, Dean of the Faculty of General Medicine, said during her meeting with the first-year students.
She went on to explain key components of the academic curriculum, including the list of core disciplines, exam procedures, academic policies, student rights and responsibilities, and other operational matters.
Dean of the Faculty of Stomatology, Dr. Lazar Yesayan, also extended his congratulations to the newcomers, wishing them success in their studies.
“Today marks one of the most significant chapters in your life. You have closed the book of childhood and adolescence and opened the new chapter of student life.
Overcoming the competitive entrance threshold is a major achievement — your first important milestone,” he said, highlighting the equal importance of both professional knowledge and moral values.
“To be a physician is, above all, to be a humanitarian.”
He called on students to be disciplined, honest, and actively involved in the educational process — but also reminded them not to neglect the joys of youth, encouraging them to balance academic dedication with vibrant student life.
He then introduced the faculty staff and student council, passing the floor to Deputy Dean Dr. Anna Avetisyan, who quoted Hippocrates:
“The love of the art of medicine is, indeed, the love of humanity.”
“To become a good doctor, one must possess a deep sense of responsibility, study diligently, and strive to be a good person.
The medical profession entails immense responsibility, boundless dedication, and relentless effort. Starting today, you must begin equipping yourselves with those essential qualities,”
she said, guiding the students through the organizational and disciplinary aspects of their academic journey.
She urged the first-year students to be vigilant on their professional path, reminding them that errors in medicine are unacceptable.
In accordance with tradition, first-year pharmacy students were welcomed by the faculty leadership in the Emil Gabrielyan Auditorium — named after the renowned academician and pharmacologist.
“Being a student of a medical university is not only a matter of pride but also of great responsibility. From this moment forward, the work begins.
Many students believe that admission is the hard part — but I urge you to take your education seriously from day one.
In our field, seriousness and consistency are essential. You will be learning not only now but also during postgraduate studies and throughout your entire professional life.
Possessing a diploma alone will not be enough to ensure employment or success,” Dr. Bagrat Yenokyan, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, emphasized after introducing his deputies.
Before turning to the specifics of the pharmacy profession, he provided a detailed overview of the university’s structure, academic process, and key regulations — all of which students must follow closely by checking the YSMU website, digital platforms, and social media pages for up-to-date information.
Welcoming the cadets of the Faculty of Military Medicine, department head Vardan Tsaturyan stated:
“You are full members of the medical university. All departments and lecture halls are at your disposal. You are expected to be diligent and committed — and to uphold the honor of the military physician.
Your second duty is strict discipline.”
He emphasized that the military uniform carries great responsibility. Before the start of formal academic studies, military medicine cadets traditionally participate in the “Young Warrior” training program.
“This year, they completed a course developed on the basis of the 3rd Army Corps’ structure, which was quite intensive.They underwent all components of physical and military training, including firearms readiness and overcoming various obstacle courses — aquatic, land-based, and long-distance marches (10–15 km) in full gear. Our cadets received high praise from the command unit. I was even asked to award many of them with certificates and letters of appreciation,” Dr. Tsaturyan said.
