Fresno’s Honorary Consulate of Armenia embarks on 15th medical mission

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) — Over the past decade, the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Armenia in Fresno has embarked on medical missions to Armenia, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan.

This year, from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4, Honorary Consulate Berj Apkarian and a team of medical professionals will be in Armenia for the 15th medical mission.

The first part of this mission encompasses the 3rd annual international medical conference. This will take place Sept. 23-26 at the Yerevan State Medical University campus in Armenia’s capital.  The conference will be opened by Her Excellence Ms. Kristina Kvien, United States Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia, along with Dr. Armen Muradyan, the Dean of the Medical School.  

The program will teach medical professionals in Armenia about emergency preparedness, disaster preparedness, and response. This also includes seminars on Oncology and early detection, public screening and early intervention. 

Artificial Intelligence will also be highlighted during the four-day conference, along with its impact on physician practice. For the first time, the topic of Advanced Nurse Practice will be introduced at the conference. 

Additionally, nursing as a profession will be an important discussion point to elevate the profession to international standards and address a worldwide nursing shortage.  

The second part of the medical mission will be the arrival of five pediatric surgeons from Seattle Children’s Hospital, led by Dr. Paul Merguerian. Dr. Merguerian has been instrumental in leading the group and organizing the provision of free surgical care over the years.

The third and final part of this mission is when the rehabilitation team, which includes the department chair from the American University of Beirut, joins the mission for the first time. The rehab team will be working in the Armenian regions of Gyumri and Armavir.  

The medical mission is the pride and joy of the Armenian community of Fresno.  The mission continues, positively impacting various communities around the world.