Yerevan State Medical University named after Mkhitar Heratsi is hosting for the second time the participants of the international medical congress, held jointly with the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Armenia in Fresno and bearing the title “In Pursuit of Excellence”.
The event was officially launched on September 25 at YSMU in the presence of Kristina Kvien, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Armenia.
Professor Armen Muradyan, Rector of Yerevan State Medical University, welcoming the participants of the medical congress, Ambassador Kristina Kvien, emphasized that the cooperation, which started about a decade ago and continues successfully, at the initiative of Perch Abgaryan, the Honorary Consul of RA in Fresno; is entering a new phase.
“Our long-term relationship with partners began when the Medical University did not yet have international accreditation. This year, the University was able to overcome the difficult threshold of accreditation, and received the highest status international accreditation of three educational programs “MD Physician” for seven years”, the Rector noted, adding that YSMU graduates will already have the opportunity to work in the USA, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and elsewhere by passing the relevant examination and bringing their benefit to the country, university and humanity.
According to him, colleagues will discuss important issues of medical science with state-of-the-art approaches, which have had a huge impact on the development of medicine over the past 10 years. “When we talk about the development of medicine in Armenia, it is impossible not to appreciate the great role played by the diaspora, in particular, our partners from the USA, who have enriched our healthcare system for many years with educational programs, their skills and huge experience,” Armen Muradyan stressed, expressing gratitude to Perch Abgaryan for consistently carrying out humanitarian activities.
YSMU Rector emphasized that it was a great honor that the U.S. ambassador to RA was also present at the event, which gave the conference a new quality, considering that after the international accreditation, the partnership had received a clearer framework. He expressed hope that YSMU graduates operating in the USA would continue their humanitarian work, enriching both the Medical University and the Armenian healthcare system.
Wishing a fruitful and successful course to the congress, the Head of the University expressed his willingness to continue this initiative every year, to create a partnership platform in the alumni union, which is the wealth of the University, through which this cooperation will become deeper.
Kristina Kvien, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States to Armenia; noted: “It’s a privilege to speak with you at a congress focused on the pursuit of excellence in healthcare. I’m especially honored because the congress is co-led by a distinguished person from my hometown – Fresno, California. I would just like to say another big “thank you” to Perch for working constantly to help improve relations between Armenia and America.
We are talking today about the value of cooperation which, I think, is very appropriate considering that U.S.-Armenia partnership is going stronger every day. Partnership is bolstered, bolstered by people like you, and also by the incredibly strong and dynamic relationship between the people of Armenia and the Armenian diaspora in the United States. We think it’s very important not only because of what we do today, but also because of diverse number of fields in which we do work together: healthcare, disaster response, trade and economy, democracy, defense cooperation and education”.
Partnership between Yerevan State Medical University and Honorary Consulate of Armenia in Fresno, according to her, fosters not only the educational and professional exchanges, but also revives the spirit of collaboration central for addressing global healthcare challenges. “That collaboration focused on improving the care of patients is so important on improving healthcare of Armenians. It also compliments other work that is sponsored by the U.S. Government to improve the public health systems’ ability to respond and protect Armenians’ health”, the Ambassador added.
By sharing best practices and resources, from her point of view, the U.S. and Armenia can strengthen their capabilities to build resilient society. “Our governments and citizens can effectively respond to crises, maintain strong economic progress and make competitive contributions to global knowledge in the healthcare and other fields”, Kristina Kvien emphasized.
Armenia, in her opinion, has always appreciated education and innovation. “Everyone in this room is an outstanding example of that. Armenia continues to strive excellence in many fields of international partnerships. I am pleased to see so many physicians today, particularly the physicians that have come from Fresno, California, to help their Armenian partners. And I appreciate the diverse rate practices and commitment fostering professional exchange among you all today. So, thank you! Thank you for the work you do every day! Your dedication and expertise are invaluable in navigating the complex challenges our societies face. Your dedication to improving healthcare and addressing the society’s most present needs reflex the higher standards of professionalism and compassion that I would like everyone to have in medical profession.
So, closing, I want to encourage all of us to continue working together, sharing knowledge and resources. I hope we can work together to support one other in our mission to improve the health and safety of our citizens and continue to strengthen Armenia’s development as a strong democratic country based on the values our people deeply share”, the Ambassador concluded.
Perch Abgaryan, Honorary Consul of Armenia in Fresno; also welcomed the participants of the Congress: “I am honored and humbled with a lot of collaboration that started almost ten years ago with Rector Armen Muradyan. That platform has grown and reached to this level which I gave commitment last year that we are going to do this conference every year. So, it’s a commitment that we are going to collaborate for the good of our nation, and to demonstrate to the world that the United States and Armenia have the highest bilateral relationship.
Madam Ambassador, your presence today just enriches our heart with gratitude because your presence is a very important message to the world that Armenia and the United States are true friends. I’m grateful for this opportunity, and wish the conference the highest success possible with the aim for a better future health for all of us”.
The discussion of professional reports started with the presentation of detailed information on liver disease: Marina Roytman, Clinical Professor and Liver Program Director at UCSF Fresno (USA); spoke in detail about the diagnostics of the disease, effective and innovative methods of its treatment.
Van Boghossian, Fresno Medical Center, Department of Surgery (USA); introduced the latest developments in bariatric surgery and advances in robotic surgery.
Sharon Chekijian, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Medical Director, Patient Experience, Emergency Medicine; Medical Director, Yale New Haven Hospital PA/NP Post graduate Training Program (USA); addressed the past, present and future of emergency medicine in Armenia, emphasizing the need to develop appropriate systems in that field.
It should be noted that the delegation from the USA was received by the Rector of YSMU within the framework of the Congress, greatly emphasizing the valuable work that had been done over the years.
The delegation of American doctors with Armenian origin, carrying out a great medical mission, is already in Armenia for the 12th time.
