AAMS History
AAMSC President Bedros Kojian, MD, spearheads the Shengavit Maternity Hospital Project, which modernized the facility and implemented staff training. That same year, membership opens to all allied healthcare professionals.
The AAMSC instituted the Juvenile Diabetes Program in 1992 with the goal of providing life-saving insulin, necessary medical supplies, and disease education to Armenian children suffering from this devastating disease. The result of this program has been a marked reduction in complications for these children. The AAMSC worked through a government-sponsored program to ensure that supplies and medications are available to all diabetic children free of charge. This program is the result of dedicated efforts of Silva Karchikian, M.D., Mark Nazarian, M.D., and the late Samuel Malayan, M.D., who initiated it.
Juvenile Diabetes Program — Important Facts:
More than 175 children have attended the camp since 2010.
Since its inception, the AAMSC has cultivated a close relationship with Yerevan State Medical University (YSMU) — one that continues today. Members of the AAMSC raised funds to purchase new library equipment, desks, shelves, audio visual equipment, books, and lighting for the YSMU library, as well as complete some renovations to the study room. In 2000, a delegation of AAMSC members traveled to Yerevan to celebrate the new library during the university’s 70th anniversary.
The AAMSC and neurologist Armen Cherik, M.D., established the Pediatric Epilepsy Program 13 years ago in response to the high incidence of the disease among the pediatric population in Armenia. The goal of the program is to increase the efficiency of treatment of children with epilepsy, providing them with specialized examinations and anti-epileptic medications, and to improve the quality of life of children with epilepsy and their family members. The AAMSC provides training for physicians, as well as medication and medical equipment.
Pediatric Epilepsy Program — Important Facts:
Number of patients since 2003 – 7,000
Number of patients since 2015 – 2,800
Monthly patient average – 350
Number of patients who received medication from the AAMS in 2015 – 454
The AAMSC established medical clinics in three remote villages with limited access to health care: Aregouni in 2005, Pokr Mazrik in 2006, and Tsapatagh in 2007. The clinics provide residents of these rural areas with the vital medical services they desperately needed.
Because an informed community is a healthier community, the AAMSC hosts this half-hour talk show, which airs during prime time twice a month. Each episode features physicians and other healthcare professionals from a broad spectrum of specialties, who discuss medical topics relevant to preventive care and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The program is hosted by Vicken Sepilian, M.D.
In 2009, the AAMSC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health of Artsakh, purchased a mobile medical van which enables medical professionals to access remote villages in the mountainous country of Artsakh. Thanks to this mobile clinic, villagers throughout Artsakh are able to access basic health services.
AAMSC Scholarship Program
The AAMSC established a scholarship program in 2009. These scholarships are given to Armenian students enrolled in healthcare education programs. Since the program’s inception, 30 scholarships have been granted to deserving students who will one day play an important role in improving the health and well-being of our community.
The Glendale Health Festival is a community service of the AAMSC in collaboration with the City of Glendale, Glendale Community Services and Parks Department, Office of State Senator Carol Liu, Office of Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Northwest Glendale Lions Club, the Armenian American Nurses Association, Armenian American Mental Health Association, Glendale Healthy Kids, Glendale Adventist Medical Center, Dignity Health Glendale Memorial Hospital, and USC Verdugo Hills Hospital.
The Glendale Health Festival was established by the AAMSC to provide the underserved in our community with important preventive health services and education. The festival offers a host of free health screenings and services, including complete health evaluations, flu shots, on-site mammograms, cervical cancer screenings, eye exams, blood work, and dental exams.
25th Anniversary Gala
More than 600 members and supporters of the AAMSC gathered for the 25th Year Anniversary Gala. The AAMSC founding fathers and past presidents were honored for their vision and dedication. Proceeds from the event benefited the AAMSC Juvenile Diabetes Program.
On November 2, 2011, the Armenian American Medical Society of California changed its name to the Armenian American Medical Society. This new name reflected the organization’s growth, encapsulating not only the state of California, but the entire United States.
The AAMS Ladies Auxiliary, under the direction of Chair Ramella Markarian, created “Glendale Healthy Women” in 2012. The primary goal of this project was to help women in our community stay healthy by promoting and raising awareness about the importance of preventive care and screening exams. The project was a collaboration with local healthcare professionals and community hospitals to provide outreach and education with an increased emphasis on preventive care in our community. This project provided access and resources for screening mammograms to low-income, underinsured women in our community. For women who are diagnosed with breast cancer, the AAMS provides access to needed follow-up care.
Glendale Healthy Women — Important Facts:
Number of patients receiving mammograms since 2012 – 500
Number of detected breast cancer – 5
The AAMS hosted the 11th Armenian Medical World Congress in Los Angeles in July 2013. The congress featured internationally recognized experts and healthcare professionals and highlighted technological advances revolutionizing healthcare, bringing together more than 600 medical professionals from 14 countries.
Heroes and Healers: Stories of Courage: In commemoration of the centennial of the Armenian Genocide and the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, the Armenian American Medical Society celebrated Heroes and Healers: Stories of Courage and Altruism in Times of Genocide. The event was held Saturday, April 11, 2015, with a celebration held at the Glendale Civic Auditorium. The program honored medical professionals and others who embody the spirit of humanitarianism, looking past ethnic and religious differences to save lives and champion of plight of the victims of these and other atrocities of the 20th and 21st century. The event kicked off Friday, April 10, 2015, with a special reception hosted by the Consulate of the Republic of Armenia, where the guests of honor and AAMS committee members were welcomed by Deputy Consul General Valery Mkrtoumian.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the AAMS procured critical medical equipment, medications, and supplies for Armenia. Through live webinars, members educate medical professionals in Armenia and the local community to receive the most up-to- date information and guidance. Later in the same year, the AAMS responds to the 2nd Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, raising over $700,000 for medical care for soldiers fighting on the frontlines of Artsakh. Members also helped procure supplies from all over the world.
The AAMS, in conjunction with the Armenian Educational Foundation, awarded full scholarships to soldiers wounded during the 44-day war enrolled in medical, dental, and pharmacy schools in Armenia. The AAMS contributed nearly $19,000 to sponsor nine students, and members personally sponsored 16 additional students.
The AAMS partnered with member organizations of the Armenian Medical International Committee to raise funds to replace the aging cryogenic oxygen plant in Armenia, which couldn’t keep up with the demands of the pandemic. The new facility significantly increases the country’s oxygen production capacity and ensures a reliable, 50-year supply. The AAMS holds its Breath of Life telethon to support the project.
The AAMS spearheads relief efforts to secure vital medication and supplies for the victims of the Artsakh blockade. The organization held the Lifeline of Hope telethon to raise funds. The organization also provided vital aid for victims of the 2023 Artsakh gas explosion.
The AAMS joins forces with Alzheimer’s Care Armenia, founded by AAMS member Dr. Jane Mahakian. The collaboration will raise awareness and develop programs for the care and treatment of people with Alzheimer’s disease in Armenia. The AAMS also provides support for the construction of the Gateway Health Primary Care Clinic, located in Armenia’s Ararat Province. This comprehensive facility will revolutionize the region’s healthcare services and provide free physical and mental healthcare to veterans.
