Medical Observership at AECP by Ms. Courtney Heisler, BSc
During my medical observership in Armenia, many people asked me, "What is a Canadian premed doing here in Armenia?" My response was quite simple and was always along the same lines: I want to be an ophthalmologist and my passion for learning more about the field cannot wait until third year medical electives. The follow up question would then be, "Well...why Armenia?" This would cause some hesitation on my part as I could not think of a reason why not Armenia (that is, other than the fact when you step into a taxi or marshrutka you feel as though you have stepped onto the set of 'Fast and Furious').
The first two weeks of my medical observership were spent under the care of Dr. Ruzanna Harutyunyan, Pediatric Ophthalmologist and Chief of the Malayan Ophthalmologic Center Pediatric Clinic. I knew on my first day that I could not have been placed with a better surgeon to begin my time here. The first morning, I was prepped and entered the OR, standing at her side for strabismus correction on a 10 year old boy. It was this moment that I knew without a doubt that this is what I wanted to do. During my time with the pediatric department, I had the opportunity to visit the NICU and see many interesting cases, including but certainly not limited to: retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), strabismus (clinical diagnosis and surgical correction), dilation of nasolacrimal ducts, congenital cataracts, secondary glaucoma, and trauma.
I easily fell into the daily routine of sitting with the pediatric staff over a cup of delicious Armenia coffee I have come to love so much while discussing patient cases for the day, heading to the OR in the morning, followed by an afternoon in the clinic. There were some days where we saw upwards of 50 patients, yet Dr. Harutyunyan's dedication of ensuring her patients received top care and attention never wavered. Not only did I learn a great deal about ophthalmology during my time with her, but she also provided a clear embodiment of the doctor I would like to become: compassionate, caring, patient, and has a fantastic sense of humor.
My final two weeks were with Dr. Anna Hovakimyan, Chief of the Corneal-Uveitis Clinic, and what a strong finish to an amazing experience at S.V. Malayan's Ophthalmologic Center. With Dr. Hovakimyan, I had the opportunity to see many fascinating cases. Patients came to the clinic for corneal transplants (pre- and post-op), scleritis, trauma (chemical or other), herpetic ulcers, glaucoma, cataracts, and much more. Opportunities to stand next to Dr. Hovakimyan as she performed cataract removal and artificial lens injections, watching through the surgical microscope were one of the many highlights during my time on her department.
Some days after finishing at the hospital, I would go to the AECP offices to edit educational documents and patient stories. It was here that I was truly able to grasp the extent this organization has helped and continues to help the people of Armenia.
To all those who went out of their way to make my time in Yerevan and the surrounding regions a trip to remember, I am most grateful and hope I will someday have the opportunity to return the favor.
I will miss you all very much.
Special thank you to Dr. Alexander Malayan, Dr. Ruzanna Harutyunyan, Dr. Anna Hovakimyan, Nune Yeghiazaryan, Minas Hambardzumyan, and Marina Aghavelyan.
Shnorhakalut’yun!
Medical Observership at AECP by Ms. Tatevik Movsisyan, BSc
Thanks to the Armenian Eye Care Project I had the most fulfilling summer of my life. I was born in Armenia and had traveled there several times before, but never the way I did this summer. With the work of the Armenian Volunteer Corp and Birthright Armenia, I was connected to AECP and was able to get involved in the incredible work being done in and out of Yerevan. Soon after my arrival, I began my journey on a two week screening with AECP in the Tavush region. I stayed in Ijevan with a team of three doctors and two nurses. Everyday we’d travel to a different village in the region and provide screenings before the mobile hospital arrived to perform the needed surgeries.
These two weeks were incredibly rewarding. Having completed my first year of optometry school at Ohio State, I had a basis of knowledge, but no clinical experience. It was scary at first because I did not know what to expect. Going into it, I had not yet learned how to use an ophthalmoscope, the instrument used to look inside of the eye to diagnose different diseases. At the end of the two weeks I was able to look inside a patient’s eye and see abnormalities of the lens and retina. The lead doctor I worked with, Tsokhik Nicaliavna, was incredibly helpful and took the time to explain everything she saw in a patient, and would then guide me until I saw it as well. All three doctors were welcoming and willing to help me any way they could.
I will never forget my first day on the screening. The clinic was filled with people when we arrived. As soon as they saw us walk in, there was a rush to register and be first in line. I was overwhelmed at first, then understood the desperation and need of the people. If not for the Armenian Eye Care Project, residents of these villages would go years and years without seeing an eye doctor, due to the lack of trained clinicians in the area and the cost of traveling to Yerevan to see a specialist. I came to realize that the impatience and frustration were products of their life experiences, especially with the healthcare system, or lack there of. Most of the patients were losing vision in one or both eyes at the time of the screening. I saw conditions in their worst state; some things that I might never see again. For example, one man had lost vision in his one eye because of glaucoma. He had not followed up on that eye and thus the pressure had continued to rise. We measured his intra-ocular pressure in the high fifties, while normal ranges from 16 to 21. I learned more than I can write from seeing these conditions, but I also realized how debilitating these problems are for people who have no way of helping themselves.
After the two weeks, I spent two months in the AECP pediatric and low vision clinic in the Kanaker-Zeytun Medical Center. This experience allowed me to explore my interest in pediatrics and work with more amazing doctors. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to compare clinical techniques of the U.S. to those of Armenia. I was fortunate enough to observe Dr. Lilit Mkrtchyan, a masterful clinician, surgeon, and amazing woman. The hospital became like a home to me, and the people who I worked with became family. The hospitality was heartwarming and the care they provided to the patients was admirable. I earned countless clinical benefits, but also made life-long friends and hopefully colleagues. Working with smart, strong, modern women gave me a new perspective about being a professional in Armenia. The clinic is one of the first places I will visit the next time I am in Armenia.
The Armenian Eye Care Project made these connections possible and I am forever grateful! I grew as a future clinician, but more importantly as a person and as an Armenian. I feel honored to have been a part of such an amazing organization and hopefully can return to Armenia with them after completing school and gaining more clinical experience.
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