The Armenian American Medical Society undertook a project to modernize medical services at the Shangavit Medical Center, formerly The Shengavit Maternity Hospital, under the guidance and supervision of Bedros Kojian, MD. Dr. Kojian is an OB/GYN and clinical professor at the University of California, Irvine; he is also a past president of The Armenian American Medical Society. The goal of the project was to not only upgrade the facility’s equipment, but to ensure the staff received ongoing training.
The Armenian American Medical Society initially delivered laparoscopic equipment and instruments and established a Laparoscopic and Minimally Invasive Surgical Center, while Dr. Kojian trained the staff on the latest in techniques in minimally invasive procedures. In subsequent years, operating tables, anesthesia machines, electrosurgical equipment, monitors, incubators, and ventilators, among other necessary equipment were shipped to refurbish the hospital. A $250,000 donation from the Armenian American Medical Society established a radiology department with state-of-the-art X-ray, mammogram and ultrasound machines. The Armenian American Medical Society also replaced all the old hospital beds with automatic electric beds. Thanks to the support of the Thomas J. and Erma Jean Tracy Family Foundation, a donation of $100,000 was made to establish the hospital’s In Vitro Fertilization Center.
Today, the Shengavit Medical Center has become one of the top hospitals in Yerevan. Dr. Kojian continues to visit Armenia each year to upgrade the equipment and provide continuing education to his medical colleagues.
