AAMS’ 17th Annual HYBRID CME & CDE Las Vegas Getaway – Presenting

Topic: Ketamine: An Old Drug, a New Paradigm
Presented By: Andre Atoian, MD, MBA, D.ABA, DABAM, DABPM

Andre Atoian, MD, MBA, D.ABA, DABAM, DABPM possesses a unique background with expertise in anesthesia, pain management, addiction medicine, functional medicine, and digital health technologies. He is board certified in both Anesthesiology and Addiction Medicine, and completed medical school at UCLA and residency training in Anesthesiology at USC. Dr. Atoian pursued additional training in anesthesia-assisted opioid detoxification and ketamine infusion treatments while at USC-Norris Cancer Center. Dr. Atoian is also board-eligible for the American Board of Pain Medicine and Institute of Functional Medicine. Dr. Atoian has been practicing ketamine-based therapies for mood disorders, pain, and addiction since 2015. He specializes in ultrasound-guided interventional procedures and opioid-free pain management. Dr. Atoian also has an interest in emerging digital health technologies, and has served as Chief Medical Officer for a venture-backed startup out of Stanford University and as an angel investor/advisor for several digital health ventures. Prior to his medical studies, Dr. Atoian studied neuropsychopharmacology at the prestigious College of Creative Studies at UCSB, where he received a National Science Foundation grant for his innovative research in identifying novel pain medicines and their link to depression. From the operating room to the living room, Dr. Atoian integrates his unique background and expertise with at-home patient engagement to provide an integrative approach to wholeperson care, and custom-tailors treatment plans to ensure his patients have the long-term support they need to overcome pain, addiction, and mood disorders.

Disclosure: Andre Atoian, MD, MBA, D.ABA, DABAM, DABPM is the owner of Limbic Medical, Perioperative Care Consultant, ACE Care Consultants and an investor in OutcomeMD

Topic: Diagnosis-Directed Treatments for Excessive Gingival Display
Presented By: Greg Asatrian, DDS, MS

Greg Asatrian, DDS, MS, is a practicing orthodontist, diplomat of the American Board of Orthodontists, and YouTube content creator. He is a four-time UCLA graduate, where he received his bachelors, doctorate, masters, and orthodontic certificate, during which he served as chief resident. He is an inductee of the Omnicron Kappa Upsilon national dental honor society and has presented on over 100 occasions domestically and internationally. He has authored over 35 publications in peer-reviewed journals/books. As a passion project, he founded a Youtube channel, Braces Explained which has amassed over 110,000 subscribers and 13,000,000 views. He loves teaching and has combined his passion for dentistry and content creation to educate his peers, mentees, and the public at large.

Topic: Evaluation and Management of Low Back Pain
Presented By: Hripsime Avagyan, DO

In 2007, Dr. Avagyan received her undergraduate degree from UCLA in Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics. Continuing her contributions to science at UCLA, Dr. Avagyan worked as a research associate and produced several publications on Alzheimer’s Disease and Epilepsy. Then, in 2009, she attended Medical School at Touro University, Nevada, where she graduated in the top 10% of her class, with high honors. After receiving her Medical Degree, Dr. Avagyan completed a 4-year residency in Anesthesiology at the University of Texas, during which she also presented at several conferences including ASRA/ Pain (American Society of Regional Anesthesiologists and Pain Medicine) and ASA (American Society of Anesthesiology). During the culmination of her training in Anesthesiology, Dr. Avagyan decided to pursue Pain Medicine to broaden her skillset and provide better care for her patients; she subsequently completed a Fellowship in Pain Medicine at Loma Linda University Medical Center. Now, she is a double board certified Anesthesiology/Pain Medicine specialist, able to serve her community by practicing Interventional Pain Medicine at Tri-Valley Spine and Pain Center.

Disclosure: Hripsime Avagyan, DO has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests

Topic: Hereditary Cancer Syndromes in the Armenian Population
Presented By: Davit Babikyan, PhD

Deleted: Dr. Babikyan is a medical geneticist leading the genomic medicine service and the laboratory of cancer genetics at the Center of Medical Genetics in Yerevan, Armenia. Dr. Babikyan has received his Master Degree in Genetics with honors from Yerevan State University, and PhD in Genetics from the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia. He worked as a research scientist at the Institute for Molecular Medicine, CA, USA and did his postdoctoral research at the International Agency for Research on Cancer, France. He is a European board-certified in Clinical Laboratory Genetics. Dr. Babikyan is an associate professor at the department of Medical Genetics of Yerevan State Medical University. He was a coordinator of difference International research and development projects in medical genetics, and currently is acting as an executive manager of the European Commission Horizon2020 project Twinning for the Armenian Research Infrastructure on Cancer Research.

Disclosure: Davit Babikyan, PhD has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests

Topic: Latest Advances in Structural Heart Disease: Percutaneous Treatment of Aortic, Mitral and Tricuspid Valves
Presented By: Harry Balian, MD, FACC, FSCAI

Dr. Balian received his Medical Degree from Chicago Medical School in 1997. He completed his Internal Medicine Residency at the University of California, Irvine where he also served as Chief Resident. Completed his Cardiology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine where he served as Chief Fellow. Dr. Balian completed his Interventional Cardiology and Vascular training at the George Washington University in Washington DC. Dr. Balian specializes in the treatment of heart disease, coronary artery percutaneous interventions and pacemaker insertions. He also performs peripheral vascular interventions including carotid stents, endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm stents, renal stents and lower extremity angioplasties. Dr. Balian is board certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Diseases, Nuclear Cardiology, Interventional Cardiology and Vascular Medicine. Dr Balian is the Chairman of department of cardiology since 2015 and the Director of Structural Heart Program at Glendale Adventist, he started the TAVR (percutaneous aortic valve replacement) program since 2016. Dr. Balian is and has been a member of the Executive Committee of AAMS Since 2006. He is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology, the Society of Coronary angioplasty and Interventions and the American Heart Association. He has been the Medical Director of the Cardiac Cath Lab at Glendale Adventist Heart & Vascular Institute since 2006 and past Medical Director of the Peripheral Vascular Lab at St Vincent Hospital. He is an Associate Clinical Professor at Western University School of Medicine.

Disclosure: Harry Balian, MD, FACC, FSCAI has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests

Topic: Odontogenic Infections
Presented By: Richard M. Benian, DDS

Dr. Benian received B.S. in Chemistry and did two years of research as an undergraduate in the lab of Professor Calvin Lee Stevens who developed Ketamine.  Also spent one year (5^th year out of 6) at Wayne State University School of Pharmacy. He obtained Doctor of Dental Surgery from Northwestern University School of Dentistry in Chicago and proceeded to the Louisiana State University Dental School in New Orleans and Charity Hospital of New Orleans for a two year General Practice Residency for hospital based dentistry. Following his residency he attended Charlotte Memorial Hospital and Medical Center (now Carolinas Medical Center) for a one year fellowship in hospital dentistry where he also helped teach four general practice residents. He then moved to Baltimore, Maryland for his Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency at the University of Maryland Medial System, the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery and the Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Services System, otherwise known as the R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland.  He was the chief resident at these facilities during his last year of residency.  Post residency he became an Adjunct Assistant Professor at both the University of Detroit/Mercy and University of Michigan Dental School for one year.  Following that he joined Oral and Facial Surgeons of Michigan, P.C. where he has been practicing for 25 years.  Dr. Benian is a Fellow of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, a Diplomat of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, a member of the American Dental Association, a member of the Livingston County Dental Society, a member of the Detroit Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. He is licensed in Michigan, Louisiana and Illinois.

Topic: Everything You Wanted to Know About Brain Tumors, but Were Afraid to Ask
Presented By: Garni Barkhoudarian, MD, FAANS

Dr. Barkhoudarian is a board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeon with a focus on skull base and minimally invasive endoscopic surgery. Dr. Barkhoudarian has particular interest and expertise in pituitary and parasellar tumors, brain tumors, skull-base tumors (including meningiomas, craniopharyngiomas, chordomas and schwannomas), intra-ventricular brain tumors, colloid cysts, trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm and other vascular compression syndromes. For virtually all tumors and intracranial procedures, Dr. Barkhoudarian applies the keyhole concept of minimizing collateral damage to the brain and its supporting structures using advanced neuroimaging and neuro-navigation techniques along with endoscopy to improve targeting and lesion visualization. Along with Drs. Marisa Chang and Daniel Franc, Dr. Barkhoudarian leads the Pacific Facial Pain Center, which offers a 360-degree approach to trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm, glossopharyngeal spasm and other facial pain syndromes. This includes medication therapy, percutaneous procedures, stereotactic radiosurgery and endoscopic microvascular decompression of the trigeminal or facial nerves. As Director of the Pacific Adult Hydrocephalus Center, he works with Dr. Daniel Franc to treat patients with various condition involving cerebrospinal fluid anomalies. This includes hydrocephalus (obstructive, acquired and normal pressure), colloid cysts, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, intracranial hypotension and idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Dr. Barkhoudarian’s research interests include evaluating outcomes of pituitary and brain tumor surgery. He is also involved in the biomarkers research program for pituitary adenomas, meningiomas and metastatic brain tumors, as well as evaluating potential mechanisms and markers of invasive and atypical tumor progression. He is an investigator in a number of clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of various medical or chemotherapies for pituitary tumors and malignant brain tumors. As director of the JWCI / PNI Microdissection Anatomy Laboratory, he conducts neuroanatomical analysis, advancing the procedures and technology used for minimally invasive surgery. Research fellows from around the world perform observational fellowships for periods of 3-6 months at a time, allowing them to learn these techniques and apply them in their home countries. In collaboration with Dr. Daniel Kelly, PNI Director, Dr. Barkhoudarian also oversees the Clinical Neurosurgical Fellowship.

Career Highlights: Dr. Barkhoudarian graduated from UCLA in 2000 and received his medical education at the University of Michigan Medical School in 2005. He completed his neurosurgical residency at the UCLA Medical Center. He completed a Pituitary and Neuroendoscopy Fellowship with Dr. Edward Laws, at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in 2012. He is a member of the American Academy of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), the International Society of Pituitary Surgeons (ISPS) and the Armenian American Medical Society (AAMS). He is a board member of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), where he works with national colleagues to improve research, education and patient care in neurosurgery. He is an advisory board member of the Self-Assessment in Neurological Surgery (SANS) committee, writing questions to help advance the knowledge of neurosurgeons in training and in practice. Additionally, he is vice-chair of the education committee for the CNS, preparing educational content to advance neurosurgical care worldwide.

Disclosure: Garni Barkhoudarian, MD is a consultant for Vascular Technology, Inc. and Ceravasc, Inc.

Topic: Anaphylaxis and Mast Cell Disorders
Presented By: Sherwin Hariri, MD, FACAAI, FAAAAI

Dr. Hariri is a board-certified allergist & immunologist in Beverly Hills, CA. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he received his BS with a major in physiological sciences and a minor in Armenian Studies. He received his Doctorate of Medicine from Saint Louis University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Hariri completed his internal medicine residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA, after which he completed his specialty training in allergy & immunology at the UCLA West-LA VA fellowship program with pediatric rotations at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. He is a clinical instructor of medicine at the David Geffen school of Medicine at UCLA, where he teaches allergists & immunologists in-training. Dr. Hariri is also an attending physician at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he sees and treats patients with complex allergic and immunologic diseases. Resident physicians from Cedars-Sinai rotate through his clinic, where he teaches them about his specialty. Dr. Hariri has published in several medical journals. He is a fellow of the American Academy of allergy, asthma, and immunology, as well as a fellow of the American College of allergy, asthma, and immunology. Dr. Hariri is the Medical Director at Beverly Hills Allergy, where he treats both adult and pediatric patients with allergic rhinosinusitis, asthma, eczema, food allergies, immunodeficiencies, and various other skin conditions and allergic diseases. Appointed to the list of super docs rising star featured in Los Angeles magazine.

Disclosure: Sherwin Hariri, MD, FACAAI, FAAAAI has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests

Topic: Updates on the Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Procedure
Presented By: Sarkis Kiramijyan, MD, FACC, FSCAI

Dr. Kiramijyan is an Interventional, Structural and Endovascular Cardiologist, the Founder and Director of the Structural Heart Disease Program, and the Medical Director of the Cardiac STEMI Program at Adventist Health White Memorial. Dr. Kiramijyan completed his undergraduate education at UCLA, medical school at George Washington University, internal medicine residency and cardiology fellowship at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, served as chief fellow. He completed his two-year interventional and endovascular cardiology fellowship at the Washington Hospital Center/Georgetown University under the supervision of world-renowned operators, served as chief fellow. Subsequently, he completed an advanced structural heart disease interventional fellowship at Yale University, under the supervision of world-renowned mentors. Dr. Kiramijyan's expertise includes cardiovascular diseases; complex coronary interventions; advanced transcatheter therapies for valvular, structural and congenital heart disease; and peripheral endovascular interventions. Dr. Kiramijyan's strong academic background includes extensively published original research, in addition to being an annual faculty panelist at the leading international cardiac conferences. He is one of only a few cardiologists in Los Angeles County with this much expertise and depth in advanced structural heart disease. Dr. Kiramijyan knows that each patient is unique, so he works to honor their own goals and wishes. He is known for his compassion, respect, integrity and quality. One thing he emphasizes with every patient is education. “I firmly believe patients must be well educated about their disease in order to make informed decisions regarding their treatment plan,” Dr. Kiramijyan says. He speaks Spanish and Armenian.

Disclosure: Sarkis Kiramijyan, MD, FACC, FSCAI has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests

Topic: Advances in Orthopaedic Oncology – Sparing the Life and the Limb
Presented By: Anna A. Kulidjian, MD, M.Sc., FRCSC

Dr. Kulidjian is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in orthopedic oncology, adult joint reconstruction and limb preservation surgery. She is a member of the Scripps Clinic orthopedic surgery team as well as the director of the Orthopedic Oncology Program at Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Kulidjian’s clinical practice focuses on joint reconstruction and limb preservation surgery of upper and lower extremities. She treats pediatric and adult patients with sarcomas and benign tumors of bone and soft tissues including muscle, fascia, fat and skin, as well as metastatic disease. Dr. Kulidjian also performs primary and revision knee and hip replacements using advanced technologies and minimally invasive techniques. She has extensive experience restoring limb function through complex reconstructions. Her research interests include understanding the mechanisms of metastases and role of stem cell initiation and maintenance of the disease. In the laboratory, she works to find novel therapies to treat metastatic disease to bone. Involved in the 1986 Armenian earthquake recovery efforts, she decided to become a physician after seeing her father, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, bring amputee children from Armenia to Toronto to receive life-changing orthopedic procedures.

Disclosure: Anna A. Kulidjian, MD, M.Sc., FRCSC has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests

Topic: Understanding and Developing Life Meaningfulness for Ones with Alzheimer's Disease
Presented By: Jane Mahakian, PhD

Dr. Jane Mahakian is a Gerontologist, author and mental health specialist who has worked and advocated for 30 years in the “realm of forgetfulness.” Previously to founding Aging Matters, Inc in 1998, she served as a faculty member at the University of California San Francisco, Institute on Aging where she conducted research on productive and healthy aging. She also developed the University’s Elder Care Program. Dr. Mahakian received her clinical training at the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center in San Francisco. Dr. Mahakian specializes in helping adults (and their families) with cognitive impairment, caused primarily by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and has expertise in working with people with behavioral challenges caused by neurocognitive diseases. Earlier in 2021, she co-authored “I hear you” a practical guide for people caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Mahakian is the President and Founder of Alzheimer’s Care Armenia, a U.S. based nonprofit organization and registered NGO that develops sustainable programs and services for people with Alzheimer’s disease in Armenia. ACA works closely with institutions, governmental agencies and other NGO’s in Armenia. She also serves as the U.S. representative for Alzheimer’s Association of Armenia.

Disclosure: Jane Mahakian, PhD has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests

Topic: Review of Post COVID-19 Infection Sequelae
Presented By: George Melikian, MD, MPH

Dr. Melikian is a Board certified physician (in infectious diseases and internal medicine), medical director, and professional statistician. He received his masters degree in infectious disease epidemiology and biostatistics from Yale University and his medical degree from New York Medical College. He completed his medicine residency at the University of Rochester, Strong Memorial Hospital, and his specialty training in infectious disease medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine. Since that time, he has practiced medicine in several roles. Serving as attending physician regional medical director for AIDS Healthcare Foundation, he has successfully managed over 40 specialty clinics in HIV/AIDS healthcare. He is also Principal Investigator on numerous clinical research studies. Dr. Melikian is currently director of infectious disease at Facey Medical Group.

Disclosure: George Melikian, MD, MPH has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests

Topic: Hereditary Cancer Syndromes in the Armenian Population
Presented By: Mike Mkhitar Moradian, PhD

Dr. Moradian has received his BS degree in Microbiology and Medical Technology with honors from CSULA, his MS degree in Bioinformatics and PhD in Molecular Genetics from UCLA. Dr. Moradian is a board certified Clinical Laboratory Bioanalyst with the States of California and New York, a Molecular Genetics Scientist from American Board of Bioanalysis, a High Complexity Laboratory Director, and a Clinical Consultant from ABB. He has worked as research scientist and laboratory Director for over a decade developing Genetics assays and setting up laboratories, he is currently the Director of Operations at Kaiser Permanente Regional Molecular Genetic Pathology Laboratory. He is a certified Lean Healthcare expert from Systems Engineering schools of MIT/LMU combined program and a certified laboratory inspector by the College of American Pathologists. He also serves as a senior scientist and consultant for Morava Inc. scientific and technology services leading a research on Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF). His works on FMF were published in Nature’s Journal of Human Genetics, in Nature’s Journal of Genetics in Medicine, and in the Journal of Molecular Genetic and Genomic Medicine. In 2018 the Yerevan State Medical University (YSMU) granted him an adjunct professorship in the clinical genetics department where he is leading the Armenian Breast Cancer Genetic Project. The first article of this project is under review. During COVID19 pandemic he has set up several molecular diagnostics assays to identify SARS-COV-2 pathogen and has lectured for about the virus’s genome evolution for Kaiser Permanente laboratory system and for the YSMU genetics department. He serves as the president of the California Association of Bioanalysts, State’s only laboratory director organization.

Disclosure: Mike Mkhitar Moradian, PhD has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests

Topic: Reforms in Dentistry in Armenia
Presented By: Zareh Ouzounian, DDS

Zareh Ouzounian, DDS, is an endodontist based in Toronto. Canada. Dr. Ouzounian received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Saint Joseph University – Beirut Lebanon in 1973. He completed specialty training at The University of Montpellier, in Montpellier, France, in 1976. and completed his endodontic residency at Boston University, Boston, MA, in 1976.

Dr. Ouzounian practiced endodontics in Toronto, from 1989 to 2001. During this time, he also presented at continuing education programs in Canada and several other countries. He was a clinical instructor at the University of Toronto from 1989 to 2001.

For nearly 30 years, he has been actively involved in dental clinics, conferences, and continuing education in Armenia and Artsakh. Dr. Ouzounian is a board member and co-founder of Hand in Hand, a non-profit dental service organization serving the Artsakh population. He also spearheaded the establishment of the dental division of the Armenian Canadian Medical Association of Ontario and created the international dental division of the Armenian Medical International Committee.

Topic: Onlays vs Crowns: A Case for a Crownless Approach to Dentistry
Presented By: Shahen Rostamian, DDS

Shahen Rostamian, DDS attended UCLA for his undergraduate degree in Bachelor of Sciences in Physiological Sciences with emphasis on Integrative Biology. After UCLA, he attended USC School of Dentistry. Since 2008 he has done extensive coursework on bite analysis, smile designs, implants and more. He has completed an advanced course at the Misch Implant Institute under the tutelage of Dr. Carl Misch.  Dr. Rostamian has also dedicated his time to understand and implement the latest digital technology in his dental practice and has worked extensively with CEREC Cad/Cam imaging and milling units to offer same day indirect restorations. He now practices out of two offices in the San Fernando Valley.

Topic: Pharmacogenomics in Patient Care, Does One Size Fit All?
Presented By: Ani Rostomyan, PharmD

Dr. Ani Rostomyan is a Board- Certified Clinical Pharmacist specializing in Diabetes management. She initially received her master's degree in Pharmacy in Yerevan State Medical University, Yerevan Armenia in 2005.She later on earned her Doctorate degree in Pharmacy from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, MCPHS, Boston, MA in 2017. Dr. Ani has been practicing in an Ambulatory Care setting as a Clinical Pharmacist for Los Angeles County Department of Health services, providing patient care to underserved population of Los Angeles County. Dr. Ani Rostomyan is passionate about improving patient's diabetes care, health literacy and medication compliance.

Disclosure: Ani Rostomyan, PharmD has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests

Topic: You Change the Beginning of the Story, you Change the Whole Story: Understanding Temperament
Presented By: Ani N. Shabazian Ed.M, PhD

Born and bred in Southern California, Ani attended UCLA for her undergraduate studies receiving her B.A. degrees in History and Psychology.   She continued her studies in Human Development and Psychology at Harvard University attaining her first Masters degree.  Following this program, Ani returned to UCLA to obtain her second Masters and then PhD in Urban Schooling, thus solidifying her scholarly knowledge in practice, theory, and education. From early on, Ani worked at marrying these different parts of academia—she served on faculty at a number of different universities but always maintained her connection to practice by either serving in a volunteer capacity or professionally.  This ensured Ani could both teach future educators, yet still contribute directly to elevating the quality of care for young children.  Additionally, Ani has trained internationally in orphanages in Budapest, Hungary, and early childhood centers in Reggio Emilia, Italy.   After serving as a faculty member in the Applied Developmental Psychology Department at UCLA and simultaneously serving as the Executive Director of the UCLA Infant Development Program, Ani accepted a newly created position at Loyola Marymount University (LMU).   Continuing to bridge research and practice, Ani’s dual appointment at LMU includes serving as a tenured Full Professor at LMU’s School of Education as well as serving as the Director of the LMU Children’s Center, an on-campus laboratory school.

Her peers as well as her students have recognized Ani’s dedication to her work and passion for education.  She was the recipient of the UCLA Distinguished Faculty Teaching Award and the LMU Crimson and Blue Distinguished Teaching Award.  She has also shared her research and expertise with fellow educators, researchers, and administrators through numerous trainings, national and international conference presentations, and various peer-reviewed journal publications as well as authored three books and co-authored the development of an international orphanage assessment took that is currently being validated as an international research tool and developed into an APP by Duke University.  Further, Ani has traveled extensively through her work with Whole Child International (an international NGO founded by Countess Karen Spencer based in the UK), which involves developing high-quality training programs for those working with vulnerable children residing in institutions (orphanages) in limited resource countries and helping to assess and establish country specific regulations for orphanages globally.

Disclosure: Ani N. Shabazian, EdM, PhD has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests

Topic: Hyperhidrosis: Current Treatment and Impact on Quality of Life
Presented By: Maral Kibarian Skelsey, MD

Maral Kibarian Skelsey, MD is Director of the Dermatologic Surgery Center of Washington in Chevy Chase, MD. Following her graduation from Wesleyan University with a degree in Chinese History and Language, Dr. Skelsey studied the similarities between Western and Eastern medical education in China. Upon returning to the US, she continued research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1987 where she distinguished herself for her work in neuroimmunology. She graduated with honors in 1991 from Washington School of Medicine in St. Louis, rated by US News & World Report as one of the nation’s top ten medical schools. After completing an internship at Georgetown University, she returned to Washington University in St. Louis for her residency in the Division of Dermatology where she performed research on metalloproteases, a key component in the structure and development of the skin. She served as Chief Resident in Dermatology from 1994 to 1995. She was then awarded a year-long fellowship through the American College of Mohs Surgery at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. There she trained under director Gary Monheit, MD, who is past president of the American College of Mohs Surgery, the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, and the American College of Cosmetic Surgery. Recognized as one of Washington DC’s top doctors in a recent Washingtonian magazine survey of her medical colleagues in the greater Washington DC community, Dr. Skelsey is a Fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery. She has unique training in dermatology, pathology and reconstructive surgery. Her specialization enables Dr. Skelsey to restore the natural appearance of the patient following cancer surgery, provide corrective procedures for patients interested in enhancing their appearance, and has made her a leader in dermatology for more than 20 years. Dr. Skelsey is Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at Georgetown University Medical School and was founding director of the Mohs Surgery Unit. Her research is focused on gene expression profiling for melanoma; noninvasive detection modalities for skin cancer and the relationship between Vitamin D and skin cancer. She speaks regularly at professional meetings on her findings. Dr. Skelsey completed her training in 1996 and assumed the position of Director of Laser and Dermatologic Surgery at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, DC in 1997. She founded the Dermatologic Surgery Center of Washington in 2003.

Disclosure: Maral Skelsey, MD received honoraria from DermTech and has a grant from Castle Biosciences

Topic: Awakening Public Health Consciousness in Armenia During the Pandemic
Presented By: Michael S. Varadian, JD, MBA

Michael S. Varadian, JD, MBA, is a nationally recognized leader and innovator of progressive private and public sector healthcare systems, health reform, value/outcome based services, and integrated physical/behavioral health systems management and development.  For over thirty years, he has operated at the highest levels of state governments, hospitals, public health, national provider and managed health corporations, clinical outcome agencies, and consulting and law firms.  He has specialized in national and statewide operations, pilots and program implementation involving public health and payment reform, fiscal oversight, integrated physical/behavioral health system development and hospital and payer regulations. He is currently the CEO of Ossanex, a biomedical products company, and Co-Founder of two Healthcare Technology Companies.  Formerly, he was the Executive Director of the Rhode Island Department of Public Health, and the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals; the Health Care Audit Division Coordinator for the Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General; and Administrator at Newton Wellesley Hospital.  As an attorney and development director, he has led over $1 billion of mergers and acquisitions in the health care industry.

Disclosure: Michael S. Varadian, JD, MBA has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests

Topic: Wound Care Insights for Treatment and Healing
Presented By: Andrew Vardanian, MD

Dr. Vardanian is a fellowship-trained plastic surgeon who specializes in plastic surgery in adults and children. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Stanford University, where he studied Human Biology. After medical school at the University of California, San Francisco, he completed general surgery residency at UCLA.  Dr. Vardanian went on to complete plastic surgery residency at UCLA and then completed a combined burn and critical care fellowship at the prestigious Massachusetts General Hospital and Shriners Hospitals for Children, Boston. Since joining the UCLA full-time plastic surgery faculty, Dr Vardanian has continued to provide exemplary care to his patients offering the highest balance of compassion with cutting-edge care.

Disclosure: Andrew Vardanian, MD has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests

Topic: Silver Diamine Fluoride - A Valuable Aid in Caries Management
Presented By: Arnold I. Weiss, DDS, MScD, FACD

Dr. Weiss is Co-President of Hand in Hand, who operates four free clinics and a mobile clinic in Artsakh, and has been working with them for fifteen years to improve the dental health of the country. He is an Associate Clinical Professor at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in the GPR/AEGD programs and Founder of a Pediatric Dental-Orthodontic Practice with 5 doctors and 35 staff members. He lectures nationally and internationally.