“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.
