YSMU Visiting Professor Lawrence Faulkner is a renowned pediatrician specialized in childhood cancer and blood disorders, is a at Yerevan State Medical University after Mkhitar Heratsi.
He is a Medical Advisory Board Coordinator at Cure2Children Foundation, specialized in pediatric hematology-oncology and stem cell transplantation.
In addition, Lawrence Faulkner is a member of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology, the American Society of Hematology and the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
It is noteworthy that the famous pediatrician, who had saved thousands of children’s lives around the world, was the direct participant in the allogeneic bone marrow transplant performed for the first time in Armenia about a month ago. The transplant was performed by Prof. R. H. Yolyan Hematology Center.
We talked to the Professor about the difficulties of being a pediatrician, the advantages and responsibility of the medical profession, as well as Armenian specialists and the peculiarities of the medical field in Armenia.
– Professor, let us start with your decision to become a doctor. How did it happen? Was that your dream?
I cannot say I had a clear idea of becoming a physician since I was very young, for sure I wanted to do something scientific, possibly be a software engineer. However, I was afraid that this choice would isolate me from people and possibly not allow me to get a proper job. I was not sure I would be a good doctor but looking back I am happy with that choice.
– Why did you decide to become a pediatrician?
I was greatly influenced by my maternal uncle who I had a lot of admiration for and who was a pediatrician.
– What is medicine for you?
A way to make a living doing something that makes a lot of sense to me. I must say that I almost always enjoyed this job even if at times it was hard.
– What kind of difficulties or challenges can you mention in the profession of a doctor as a pediatrician specialized in childhood cancer and blood disorders?
I started as a pediatric oncologist and, of course, it was very frustrating and painful to see many of your patients not doing well. However, I always honestly did the best I could, and the great majority of families were grateful even if things did not go in the right direction. In my later years I drifted towards non-malignant hematology and bone marrow transplantation which can cure most patients and thus is easier than pediatric oncology.
– Do you enjoy any privileges being a doctor?
I think that there are more duties than privileges if you do your job with commitment and dedication.
– Please, tell a little bit about your career ladder.
The highlight of my career was undoubtedly having had the privilege to train in the US, that gave me a lot of confidence without which I don’t think I would have enjoyed my work as much. It also allowed me to make some brave decision such as leaving a secure job in Italy, were I returned after my training, and dedicate the last 15 years of my professional life to collaborate with several centers seeking the development of stem cell transplantation centers.
– What about your family?
I have three children; my daughters are 30- and 18-year-old, and my son is 16. My wife is also a pediatrician and works at the children’s hospital of Florence, the city where I am originally from, and where we are quite happy to live.
– Do you manage to relax? What are your hobbies?
I listen to music a lot, compete with my wife for cooking even if both of us are not very good. I like good wine, but I am not an expert.
– Have you been to Armenia?
Yes, several times. I spent the whole month of July 2021 working with doctors and nurses at the Hematology Center of Yerevan.
I was impressed by how easy, at least for a European, is to enter Armenia, get a SIM with internet access, get an online cab service and do online grocery shopping. The history and historical sites of Armenia are impressive. People are hospitable, food is great, culture is very similar to my home country, Italy. I enjoyed my stay in Armenia and looking forward to being back. I should be back in Yerevan from September 27 to 30, 2021.
– Could you describe the sphere of medicine in Armenia?
Of course, I can only speak for pediatric hematology-oncology and bone marrow transplantation, but my experience has been very positive. Doctors and nurses are professional, dedicated and care very much about what they do. In fact, my experience has been very positive. Armenia is already attracting foreign medical students, and I believe, this will increase with time. Cost of healthcare is not high but standard of living and lifestyle are nice. I believe, Armenia could do even better in terms of international attraction of students and patients.
– As an experienced doctor with a rich professional path, what advice would you give to your future colleagues?
Medicine is a lot about duties, commitment, passion, and reliability. Travelling abroad professionally may not be essential but helps a lot to build confidence and relationships. This will contribute to make you professionally more successful and to have more fun, whatever you decide to do.
Author: Tatevik Ghazaryan