Department of Internal Medicine (Rheumatology)

The Department of Internal Diseases (Rheumatology) was founded in 2018 as a result of the reorganization of the departments of Internal Diseases. Prior to its establishment as an independent unit, rheumatology had been taught as an integral part of Internal Medicine.

The creation of the department was driven by the specific features of diagnosis and treatment of patients with rheumatologic diseases, the significant increase in the incidence of these conditions worldwide, as well as the growing need for highly qualified medical care and specialized professional training in modern rheumatology. The establishment of the department also aimed to address current scientific challenges and to promote the development of academic and clinical expertise in the field.

The teaching process at the department is organized through the cyclic program that includes both lectures and practical classes. Rheumatology is a multicomponent discipline, and the educational process is designed to ensure the development of both theoretical knowledge and practical clinical skills.

At the end of each training cycle, in addition to a test examination, students undergo a mini clinical examination that evaluates the practical competencies acquired during the course. This approach allows for a more objective assessment of students’ readiness for clinical practice.

The department actively integrates modern educational tools into the learning process. In particular, the “Doctor-Lex” mobile application is used for the discussion of clinical cases, significantly contributing to the development of students’ clinical thinking and decision-making skills.

An important milestone in the academic activity of the department was the publication of the first textbook on Rheumatology in Armenian in 2020, authored by the Head of the Department, Knarik V. Ginosyan, MD, PhD. This publication represents a significant contribution to medical education in Armenia.

The department is currently involved in the implementation of the Virtual Objective Structured Clinical Examination (VOSCE), further enhancing the quality of medical education and assessment standards.

The subject is taught in the 5th year at the General Medicine and Military-Medical faculties and is included in the module with Dermatology and Allergology. It is taught in Armenian, Russian, and English languages.

In addition to undergraduate education, the department offers postgraduate training programs, including a two-year clinical residency in rheumatology, as well as postdoctoral training courses for rheumatologists, family physicians, and general practitioners.

Since its foundation, the department has been actively engaged in scientific research. The academic staff has published numerous scientific articles, abstracts, and clinical case reports in both Armenian and international peer-reviewed journals indexed in major databases, including PubMed.

The research findings have been published in high-impact international journals such as Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, BMJ Case Reports, Lupus Science and Medicine, and International Journal of Clinical Rheumatology, among others.

Each year, members of the department participate in international scientific congresses and conferences in the field of rheumatology, presenting their research at both European and American professional platforms.

The department maintains active collaboration with leading international and local institutions and plays an important role in the global rheumatology community. Staff members are affiliated with the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) and are actively involved in its scientific and educational initiatives, contributing to international professional exchange, guideline development, and advancement of rheumatologic care. The department is also engaged in the activities of the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA), participating in collaborative efforts aimed at improving the understanding and management of psoriatic disease.

The university clinical bases, “Heratsi” and “Mikaelyan” hospitals, are actively involved in international research initiatives, including participation in the EUSTAR registry for systemic sclerosis, as well as the Pan-Armenian NAREG registry, contributing valuable clinical data to large-scale international studies.

In addition, the department cooperates with the Research Institute of Rheumatology named after V. Nasonova, the French-Armenian Research Center “Santé Arménie”, and the Ruhr Excellence Center for Rheumatology, further strengthening its integration into international scientific networks and promoting joint research, academic exchange, and the implementation of advanced clinical practices.

The clinical bases of the department are the university clinical hospitals “Heratsi” and “Mikaelyan”, where students and residents receive hands-on clinical training and participate in the diagnosis and management of patients with rheumatologic diseases.

The department is headed by Knarik V. Ginosyan, MD, PhD.

The academic staff includes:
Tamara Bayramyan- PhD, Associate professor
Shushanna Aristakesyan,
Nikolay Yeghiazaryan,
Syuzanna Bazeyan,
Magda Osipyan.

Assistants of the department are:
Svetlana Harutyunyan,
Lilit Vardanyan,
Lusine Edoyan.