Dear Colleagues,
As the Chair of the Mentorship Committee of the Armenian American Medical Society (AAMS), it is my honor and privilege to introduce the AAMS Mentorship Pre-Health Video Seminar Series, highlighting some of our rising stars in various health professions.
With this video series, we are opening a platform for pre-health students to share their real-life experiences as they navigate their journey to becoming healthcare professionals and returning to serve the Armenian community. We aim to offer a wide spectrum of voices, including those currently in their undergraduate years, graduates in the application cycle, and individuals in professional school and postgraduate training. We hope you enjoy the series and provide feedback.
Sincerely,
Sarmen Sarkissian, MD
Video 1: Interview with Sofia Yeremian, First-Year Medical Student
About Sofia:
Sofia Yeremian is an incoming medical student at UNLV’s Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine. She founded the Armenian Pre-Health Society and interned for the Armenian American Medical Society. A 2022 UCLA graduate in Molecular Biology, Sofia excelled academically and conducted research in infectious diseases. She’s actively involved in various non-profit organizations, focusing on healthcare accessibility in local and Armenian communities. Inspired by her work with Dr. Ara Keshishian, Sofia aims to pursue a career in surgery while continuing her community service efforts.
About Dr. Sarmen Sarkissian:
Dr. Sarmen Sarkissian is board-certified in internal medicine and hematology and oncology. He completed his bachelor’s degree in chemistry at UCLA and earned his medical degree at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. He then completed his internship through a categorical internal medicine program and served his residency at Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center. It was there that he developed an interest in oncology and hematology and subsequently completed his fellowship training at the University of California, Irvine Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Sarkissian is a practicing hematologist and oncologist, serving the cities of Ventura, Simi Valley, and Mission Hills. He is also affiliated with City of Hope as an associate professor.
