2018 Scholarship Recipients

Sareen Ayvazian - Haykoush Ajdaharian Memorial Scholarship

Sareen Ayvazian obtained her undergraduate degree in biological sciences with an emphasis in exercise science from the University of California, Irvine. She is currently in her second year of dental school at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. Sareen hopes to pursue a career in prosthodontics or orthodontics. Having grown up as a scout and later becoming a scout leader, she not only learned the importance of giving back to the community but also adhered to the motto to “elevate yourself and others with you.” This has motivated her to use her dental degree to provide care to underprivileged people in countries lacking the basic necessities for proper oral health and hygiene. She wants to have a positive impact on the lives of others, one smile at a time.

Christina Davidian - Dr. Vahan Ananian Memorial Scholarship

Christina Davidian is a first-year Physician Assistant student at the USC Keck School of Medicine. She is interested in pursuing primary care, emergency medicine, or pediatric hematology/oncology. She graduated Cum Laude from UCLA in 2017 with a Bachelor’s Degree in microbiology, immunology, and molecular genetics. There, she was involved with the Armenian Students Association and Armenians for Health Advancement. She currently serves as the Health Fair and Street Medicine Chair for USC’s PA Program. After interning at Adventist Health Glendale, as well as other local community practices, she is interested in continuing to advocate for health education for Armenians throughout her career.

Rafik Mughnetsyan - Dr. Norik Bogosian Memorial Scholarship

Rafik Mughnetsyan is a second-year medical student at Western University of Health Sciences. Rafik attended the University of California at Irvine. He graduated Cum Laude with a double major in Chemistry and Biological Sciences. After working a year at Adventist Health Glendale to gain more clinical experience, he was accepted into medical school. Rafik plans to apply to an internal medicine residency program upon graduation. His other interests are wilderness medicine and public health policy. Rafik always finds time for community involvement and actively participates with several organizations.

Arjina Boodaghian - Dr. Vahan Ananian Memorial Scholarship

Arjina Boodaghian is a first-year medical student at Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific. Arjina completed her undergraduate studies at the University of California, San Diego. She was also involved with Alpha Gamma Alpha, an Armenian cultural sorority. Through this sorority, Arjina had the opportunity to go on a three week OB/GYN internship in Yerevan, Armenia. This experience ignited a passion in her to pursue OB/GYN as her medical specialty. Arjina wants to specialize in OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinology while providing care to the underserved communities in Los Angeles, as well as in Armenia. Ultimately, Arjina’s goal is to set up a non-profit free health clinic in a village and give feminine medical care and health education to the individuals living there.

Sevana Manukian - Armenian American Medical Society Scholarship

Sevana Manukian is a firstyear medical student at Albany Medical College. She is interested in pursuing pediatrics or OB/GYN. She completed her B.S. at UCLA and earned her Master’s of Public Health at UC Davis. Sevana’s involvement in the Armenian community includes serving on the executive board of UCLA Armenian Students’ Association and volunteering for the AYF Youth Corps Program. She currently serves on the leadership team for Rise and Raise, an Armenian pre-medical mentorship organization. Sevana plans to contribute to the Armenian community locally and abroad, throughout her career.

Michael Repajic - Armenian American Medical Society Scholarship

Michael Repajic is a first-year medical student at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. He is of both Armenian and Serbian descent. Michael attended undergraduate school in Los Angeles and UC San Diego, where he studied bioengineering and communicative disorders. He then completed a post-baccalaureate premedical program at the University of Southern California. Now in medical school, Michael is pursuing a career in orthopedic surgery and is part of the Health Technology and Engineering program devoted to medical device development and healthcare systems improvement. Michael wants to start his own orthopedic private practice. His ultimate goals are to improve the current healthcare system in the United States and give back to the Greater Los Angeles community that has shaped his character and individuality.