Our compatriot, Yerevan State Medical University Visiting Professor Talin Babikian is Neuropsychologist, Associate Clinical Professor at the Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Associate Director, UCLA Steve Tisch BrainSPORT Program. The autobiography of a famous clinical neuropsychologist is more than 20 pages. Dr. Babikian is the author of numerous books, publications, presentations and articles.
– Let us start with your decision to become a doctor. How did it happen? Was that your dream?
I had many dreams growing up, I was very curious about journalism because I saw it as an opportunity to travel around the world. I also fantasized about being an astronaut because it seemed like the ultimate adventure to travel in space. I pursued several interests academically, and one door opened the next, so I would say I landed in my present profession following interests and callings rather than a childhood dream.
– What kind of difficulties can you mention in the profession of a doctor?
Interesting question, I don’t see them as difficulties but more challenges – this includes cultivating a balanced life that incorporates time with family, hobbies, and taking care of my own well-being and mental health. We have to take care of ourselves first so that we can be present for our loved ones.
– What privileges do you enjoy being a doctor?
It is one of the most satisfying experiences in life for me when I feel like I have been helpful to a child by helping their family, teachers, or clinicians understand them better.
– Please, tell a little bit about your career ladder. I know it will take a long time as your achievements are very much, but, anyway, I would like to ask you to mention them shortly if it is possible.
I took an indirect route to my career. Before my PhD studies, I worked on a Master’s degree in Near Eastern Languages and Cultures at UCLA, concentrating on Armenian literature. I had a thirst for understanding my culture and history better and what better way to do this but to immerse myself in the literature for two years? I then started a graduate program in Clinical Psychology at Loma Linda University, also in California, assuming I would become a psychotherapist – I had spent a year in London previously and had become really fascinated by personality development and how life experiences shape who we are. But once again, I followed my curiosities and one thing led to another – I became intrigued by the interface of brain and behavior, by child development, and research methods. Before I finished my graduate studies, I worked on a Master’s in Public Health in Biostatistics. My dissertation was on brain injury in children using novel imaging techniques to study the natural course of repair and recovery. I then got an NIH scholarship to pursue this line of study more at UCLA, where I stayed as a faculty member since. I continue to work with families and children in my private practice in west Los Angeles with a range of neuropsychological issues. At UCLA, I work with an exceptional team of researchers and clinicians studying brain injury in the young brain. I developed a training program for neuropsychologists interested in focusing on brain injury, particularly sports related injuries, and continue to work every day with an exceptional multi-disciplinary team treating and studying brain injuries in children and educating the community and the next generation of neuropsychologists – I would never in my wildest dreams imagined having such a fulfilling profession! I joke often that if I didn’t need to work for money, I would still be doing what I do, but just a little less of it!
– Do you manage to relax? What are your hobbies?
I love spending time with my boys. I live close to the Pacific Ocean so I visit the ocean every chance I get. I also compete in sailboat races – when I’m on the water, I feel like I’m aligned mentally, physically, and spiritually. This summer I will be on one of the US teams competing in an international race, and I’m very excited!
– Please, tell a little bit about your family.
I have two young boys, ages 11 and 14, who light up my life. I learn from them all the time about kindness and gratitude – they give me hope for the future!
– How would you describe the sphere of medicine in Armenia?
There are some amazingly talented and devoted clinicians who are passionate about their life’s work – they help their patients even if the infrastructure they work within is challenging.
– Have you been to Armenia?
Yes, many times, first in 1997 as an intern, and more recently in 2019 with my family, and several times in between for work and for pleasure.
– What do you miss from your homeland?
The sense of belonging. I was born in Iran to an Armenian family and moved to the United States after the Iranian revolution in the 70’s. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been an immigrant and making someone else’s homeland mine. Armenia is different. Everyone feels like family – brothers and sisters from a different set of parents.
– Are you planning to visit Armenia in the future?
Yes, I hope to return regularly, with my family.
– As an experienced doctor with a rich professional path, what advice would you give to your future colleagues?
Don’t focus on the title of the profession and don’t chase money or prestige. These pursuits may help you find a job but they will not ultimately lead you to your life’s passion. Follow your curiosities, follow what excites you, your passions are the voice of your soul, they’ll never lead you astray!
Author: Tatevik Ghazaryan