The AAMS 35th Anniversary Gala Celebrates a Legacy of Service

The Armenian American Medical Society (AAMS) held its annual gala on Saturday, November 20, 2021, at the Sheraton Universal Hotel. The event, postponed in 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns, made a triumphant return, drawing nearly 300 attendees, including members, their guests, and friends of the AAMS.

Funds raised from this event will benefit the new AAMS scholarship program, which will provide full tuition for eligible students in Armenia pursuing a career as a healthcare provider and enrolled in a professional healthcare school in Armenia. These scholarships aim to remove the barriers to attending professional healthcare school in Armenia—namely tuition cost—and nurture a new generation of healthcare providers. Students awarded a scholarship will receive full tuition to cover the entire five years of their education.

“It’s important for us, as medical professionals, to support and teach future generations. It was important to my medical education, and I am certain it was important to all of our members,” noted Kevin Galstyan, MD, FACOG, president of the AAMS. “This scholarship is just one of many ways we can support these students and help educate them. It is our opportunity to pay forward the support and encouragement we received in our training.”

The Armenian Medical International Committee (AMIC), the coordinating body for Armenian medical associations worldwide, received the 2021 Excellence in Armenian Service award. The organization was honored for its more than 30-year history of humanitarian aid to improve healthcare in Armenia. The AAMS has a long history of collaboration with AMIC.

AMIC President Vicken Sepilian, MD, FACOG, accepted the award on AMIC’s behalf. Dr. Sepilian is also an AAMS past president and board member. He received a surprise commendation for his leadership of AMIC, especially during the dual crises of the pandemic and the war.

The keynote speaker was Ani Aprahamian, PhD, a renowned nuclear physicist. Dr. Aprahamian is director of A.Alikhanyan National Science Laboratory of Armenia and a Frank M. Freimann Chair Professor of Physics at the University of Notre Dame.

“The AAMS is so appreciative of Professor Aprahamian for taking time from her busy schedule to deliver the keynote address,” remarked Elizabeth Zoryan, RN, BSN, PHN, gala co-chair. “Over her career, she has been responsible for some major medical advancements, many of which have directly benefited Armenia, and continues to innovate. We were very fortunate to hear her inspiring address.”