Graduate students matriculating in any healthcare discipline are invited to apply for the AAHPO Najarian Family Scholarship. Established in 2019 by the Lawrence and Magda Najarian Family, the scholarship honors their parents, Mary and Vahan Najarian and Freda and Gagiuk Hovakimian, MD, PhD. The scholarship benefits students matriculating in a graduate program related to the healthcare sciences with an award of $2,500. The deadline for application is December 1, 2025 and the scholarship recipient will be announced on January 18, 2026 at the AAHPO Service Awards.

CONTACT AAHPO TO APPLY

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Meet an AAHPO Najarian Family Scholarship Winner

Christopher Markosian, PhD was awarded the 2024 AAHPO Najarian Family Scholarship. He is a matriculating medical student at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (highest honors, summa cum laude) from Rutgers University, Christopher served as an English instructor at Yerevan State Medical University in Armenia as part of the Fulbright US Student Program.

Following his return to the United States in 2019, he began his graduate studies in the MD-PhD program at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Christopher recently earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences in 2024 after defending his thesis, entitled “Target Discovery in Non-Human Primates with Hereditary Colon Cancer.” His work has been featured in over 30 publications in several prestigious journals.

“Soul on Fire” is a movie to be released nationwide on October 10. This is based on a remarkable and true story involving a famous plastic surgeon, Dr. Vatche Aivazian, a graduate of American University of Beirut Medical School.

“Dr. Aivazian was a dear classmate of my late husband, Dr. Raffy Hovanessian,” noted Vicki Shoghag Hovanessian, who serves as Cultural Advisor to the Embassy if Republic if Armenia to the United States. The late, great Dr. Hovanessian founded the AAHPO – Dr. Raffy Hovanessian Medical Education Program.

In “Soul on Fire,” Dr. Aivazian’s name is changed to Dr. Kendrick Khachikian, and he portrays an Armenian-American plastic surgeon who is living in Lebanon

The true story happened in 2006. While working in a makeshift clinic in Lebanon, Dr. Aivazian treated John O’Leary, an American photojournalist who had been severely burned in a roadside bombing during a conflict. The burns were incredibly extensive and complex, requiring a level of skill and dedication that was rarely seen.

The burns were deeply embedded and required. multiple surgeries, complex skin grafting, and constant immaculate care to prevent infection

Dr. Aivazian and his team worked tirelessly, often operating over 24 hours at a time, to save O’Leary’s life. The situation was very difficult, with limited resources and at high risk for complications.

The title “Soul on Fire” reflects the immense emotional and physical toll the operation took on Dr. Aivazian – the intensity of his dedication and the personal sacrifice he made. It’s also a reference to the intense physical suffering of John O’Leary.

Learn more about “Soul on Fire”

AAHPO extends sincere congratulations to Dr. Ara Tekian, PhD, MHPE for his upcoming investiture as the Dr. Georges Bordage Professor of Medical Education at University of Illinois College of Medicine.

Dr. Ara Tekian

Dr. Tekian is collaborating with AAHPO Board Members John Bilezikian, MD, PhD and Samuel Badalian, MD, PhD to renew the directive of the AAHPO-Dr. Raffy Hovanessian Medical Education Program.

Dr. Tekian is an internationally recognized scholar and leader in health professions education. He organized and conducted over 300 workshops in more than 45 countries and 60 cities, as well as presented over 250 keynote addresses nationally and internationally. He has over 150 peer-reviewed publications and is the Principal Investigator of 15 research and training grants totaling over 5 million U.S. Dollars. His consultations and workshops have focused on curriculum development, assessment, program evaluation, simulations, and international medical education. His scholarship in health professions education is reflection in publications in the premiere medical education journals.

Currently, Dr. Tekian is Professor at University of Illinois College of Medicine, as well as Director of International Affairs at the Department of Medical Education (DME), and the Associate Dean for the Office of International Education. He joined DME in 1992 and is involved in both teaching courses offered in the Master of Health Professions Education (MHPE) program and advising graduate students.

Prior to joining DME, he was the founding Director of the first Medical Education Department in Saudi Arabia, at King Saud University, College of Medicine in Riyadh (1983 – 1990). He served during the 80s and 90s as a consultant to the World Health Organization (WHO) Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO) for projects in the Division of Development of Human Resources for Health. He also served as consultant to the Ministries of Health and Education in most of the Eastern Mediterranean countries. Dr. Tekian established several medical education departments/ units in the Eastern Mediterranean countries.

A donation of more than 32,000 toothbrushes has reached Armenia and is being distributed to Armenians through a number of charities, including Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), Armenian International Dental Association, Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA), Children of Armenia Fund (CAF), Fund for Armenia Relief (FAR), and Knights of Vartan (see photo of a child in Armenia displaying some of the donated toothbrushes). The donation was received by AAHPO through President Lawrence V. Najarian, MD, and AAHPO facilitated the shipment of the donation.

“AAHPO will be forever indebted for this gift, which will have a positive impact on Armenian people through needed, improved dental hygiene,” Dr. Najarian said.

“Oral health and dental care is directly linked to overall general health and well being. The link between periodontal health (gum disease) and heart disease has been known for years. Inflammation has been recognized as a common denominator in many diseases. There is a link between inflammation in the oral cavity and Cardiovascular disease, Stroke, Diabetes, Endocarditis, GI health, Rheumatoid arthritis as well as Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia,” noted AAHPO Treasurer Joyce Kurdian, DMD, who owns a private practice, Ridge Family Dentistry in Basking Ridge, NJ.

Dr. Kurdian added: “Oral care including toothbrushing is a simple way to help reduce inflammation in the mouth. In many areas of rural Armenia access to simple tools such as toothbrushes or floss is limited, which makes this donation so much more impactful. We are grateful for this very thoughtful donation.”

The donors of the toothbrushes are patients of Dr. Najarian, and have asked to remain anonymous. The toothbrush manufacturer intended to discard the toothbrushes because the packaging was mislabeled. The toothbrushes themselves are not defective.

When Dr. Najarian agreed to receive the donation on behalf of AAHPO, the donors made multiple trips in the sweltering summer weather to Dr. Najarian’s Bedminster office to deliver 111 cases of toothbrushes.

“I want to personally thank these anonymous donors for impacting the health trajectory of Armenian people, and making the world a healthier place,” Dr. Najarian said.

The donors were aware of Dr. Najarian’s connection to AAHPO. Dr. Najarian observed that any person who is involved with a charitable cause should make this connection known to others, as donations can come from unexpected places; “The funny thing about philanthropy is that it inspires more philanthropy. You never know when you might become part of a larger cycle of giving that impacts many people far beyond your immediate circle of influence. Helping others who are less fortunate is very rewarding.”

He added that members of the Armenian community and the local community are invited to support improved health care by participating in the Seventh Annual Run/Walk for Charity on November 4. The event raises funds to assist AAHPO’s Mission to provide medical support and education to local communities and Armenia.

Please donate directly to AAHPO to support our mission to assist Armenians here and in Armenia.

AAHPO wishes to thank all who attended the May 9 dinner and lecture by Archpriest Fr. Nareg Terterian, who spoke on “Empathy in Action: Counseling Techniques for Managing Depression & Anxiety.” Along with being the pastor of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church, Douglaston, NY, Fr. Tertrian holds a M.S.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.

Objectives for the lecture.

AAHPO Board Member Arthur Kubikian, DDS, introduces Archpriest Fr. Terterian.

Archpriest Fr. Terterian shares guidance with AAHPO health care professionals.

Archpriest Fr. Terterian (seated, third from left) with AAHPO Board Members, members and spouses who attended the event at Sevan Restaurant.

On National Doctors Day, AAHPO celebrates the dedication, compassion, and expertise of healthcare professionals who work tirelessly to heal, comfort, and make a difference in the lives of others. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to caring for us all!

AAHPO member Dr. Tro Kalayjian is a board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine and Medical Director of Toward Health. He recently published a paper in Frontiers of Nutrition which presents research confirming the health benefits of lifestyle-based metabolic care. Key findings include:

• 15.5% average body weight loss (43 lbs at 12 months)
• 76% of patients still losing weight at one year
• $2,000 saved per patient in deprescription costs
• 2 fewer medications per patient

READ MORE

AAHPO member and rehabilitative medicine expert Laurie Dabaghian, MD offers guidance to anyone who is starting or ramping up a workout program.

“Here are some key tips when starting a workout program at any age. Proper warm-ups, gradual increases in intensity and supportive footwear are key to injury prevention in running or walking. Prioritize your form and always listen to your body. Outside of the aerobic activity, work on strengthening important stabilizing muscles, like your core, to protect your joints and maintain good alignment, minimizing stress on your body and helping you prevent injury.”

Learn more about Dr. Laurie Dabaghian

Published by Laura L. Constantine, AGBU Insider

Dr. Hekimian speaks at an AUA conference titled Nutrition Today Matters Tomorrow.

The long list of professional credits and affiliations attached to the name Kim Hekimian, PhD, only skims the surface of the remarkable career of this Armenian-American nutrition and public health expert. Juggling a demanding career in America, she has managed to transfer her wealth of knowledge, academic discipline, and lived experiences to what has evolved into a life mission: to save lives and improve health outcomes in the Republic of Armenia.

Over the past 30 years, Hekimian has built an impressive reputation in the field of Public Health, as an Associate Professor of Nutrition (in Pediatrics) and the Institute of Human Nutrition at Columbia University in New York. There she serves in many capacities—educator, researcher, mentor, and advisor. She is also an active member of professional health organizations and boards, among them the Armenian-American Health Professionals Organization (AAHPO). However, this is only one side of the multi-dimensional story of her inspired life.

On the flip side, the ardent advocate for maternal and child nutrition has gone to Armenia almost every year since it gained independence in 1991. In those early days, she was one of around 20 diasporan Armenians in the country, working on her PhD and soon joining the faculty of the American University of Armenia (AUA). Recently, she added the title of Advisor to the Armenian Ministry of Health to her resume, along with her appointment as Senior Policy Fellow of the Applied Policy Research Institute of Armenia, better known as APRI.

Her data-driven presentations and analysis-rich lectures to health care peers in and out of Armenia are balanced with a very humanistic approach to patient populations. This stems from spending many successive summers living among Armenian families in the Lake Sevan region of Armenia and observing firsthand how poverty, scarcity, misinformation, and traumatic events can compromise health potentials. While she did not grow up in an Armenian speaking home, she eventually became fluent in Eastern Armenian through her interactions with peers and locals over the decades.

READ FULL ARTICLE

Kaiser Permanente’s Armenian Business Group invites you to join a virtual town hall meeting with Lena Nanushyan, MD, MPH, Armenia’s Deputy Minister of Health on Monday, April 22 at 3:00 PM EST.

Click here to join meeting