2017 Scholarship Recipients

Lyolya Hovhannisyan - AAMS Scholarship

Lyolya Hovhannisyan is a second-year medical student at the David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA. Growing up in Armenia, she experienced the detrimental effects inequitable healthcare access and lack of health education has on communities. As an undergraduate, Lyolya and her colleagues co-founded Flying Samaritans at UCLA, an organization providing healthcare and health education in Colonia, Mexico. As a medical student, she participated in the Global Health Short-Term Training Program where she developed a diabetes awareness research project in rural communities of Armenia. Lyolya received the AAMS Scholarship.

Lina Acopians - Dr. Norick Boghossian Memorial Scholarship

Lina Acopians is a thirdyear medical student at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in Middletown, NY. Lina has remained committed to the Armenian population and to community service. Through organizations such as Focus on Children Now (FCN) CampMed at UCLA and the fundraising efforts of Eat and Feed, she works to support both Los Angeles youth and the youth of Armenia in need of vital resources and mentorship. Being involved in education and medicine, she sees how physicians can make a positive impact on local surroundings. Her ultimate goal is to return to the Los Angeles area and pursue a residency in internal medicine. Lina received the Dr. Norick Bogossian Memorial Scholarship.

Mary Kiledjian - Dr. Vahan Ananian Memorial Scolarship

Mary Kiledjian is a secondyear student at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. Following graduation, she plans on specializing in orthodontics. Mary aspires to open a private practice where she will be able to pursue her career while improving the lives of her patients. She hopes to travel to orphanages and dental clinics in Armenia and perform procedures for those who do not have access to proper dental treatment. Being raised in the Armenian community has taught Mary the importance of being an Armenian and giving back to the community. Mary received the Dr. Vahan Ananian Memorial Scholarship.

Aline Pogharian - Haykoush Ajdaharian Memorial Scholarship

Aline Pogharian, is of Armenian and Italian descent. Aline studied biology at Occidental College and proceeded to work in the Emergency Department at Adventist Health, Glendale. Passionate about healthcare, working in an Emergency Department was a natural fit. With encouragement from her family and a desire to provide care to others, she started nursing school at Glendale Community College in 2016. She is planning to have dual enrollment in Glendale Community College’s RN program while working towards a BSN through a collaborative program at Azusa Pacific University. Aline received the Haykoush Ajdaharian Memorial Scholarship.

Armen Zeitjian - Leon Nahabedian Memorial Scholarship

Armen Zeitjian was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. He obtained his undergraduate degree in Human Biology from the University of California, San Diego. Armen is currently a first-year medical student at Wayne State University School of Medicine, in Detroit, Michigan. Passionate about the sciences and with a keen interest in exercise, nutrition, and the Armenian language, Armen aspires to serve the Armenian community with the knowledge and skills he gains as a physician. Armen received the Leon Nahabedian Memorial Scholarship.