MONUMENTAL ARMENIAN MEDICAL WORLD CONGRESS CONVENES IN NEW YORK By Florence Avakian New advances in medicine discussed NEW YORK CITY, NY---- More than 350 Armenian health professionals from five continents and ten countries assembled at New York’s famed Hilton Hotel from July 1 to 4 for the Tenth Armenian Medical World Congress. The Congress featured world famous doctors, and the latest findings on several medical questions. Among the many prominent attendees were the Health Minister of England Lord Dr. Ara Darzi, the Health Minister of Armenia Dr. Harutyun Kushkyan, the Diasporan Minister of Armenia Dr. Hranush Hakobyan, the former Health Minister of Armenia Dr. Ara Babloyan, the Health Minister of Karabagh Dr. Armen Khachatryan, and the President of the American University of Armenia Dr. Haroutune K. Armenian. The preeminent medical personnel also included geneticist Dr. Vazken Der Kaloustian, founder of the Armenian Eyecare Project Dr. Roger V. Ohanesian, endocrinologists Dr. Sylva Arslanian, and Dr. Avedis Khachadourian, Public Health expert Dr. Myron Allukian, Jr. Attending many of the functions were Armenia’s Ambassador to the United Nations Armen Martirossyan, and Congressman Frank Pallone. World famous doctors attended and spoke, including the founder of the MRI Dr. Raymond Damadian who stressed the need for both a sitting and standing MRI, in addition to the lying down version which is commonly used. Lord Dr. Ara Darzi detailed his health reform system in England which stresses the concept of quality. Also addressing the assemblage was top cancer specialist from Paris Dr. Ara Hovanessian who is leading efforts for a cancer cure. The opening day, July 1, was devoted to several medical specialties, including nursing, ophthalmology, dentistry, emergency medicine, mental health, pediatrics, anesthesiology and physical therapy. During the next three days, there were intense and detailed discussions on obesity, nutrition, diabetes, breast cancer, orthopedic surgery, psychiatry, infectious diseases, cardiovascular disease, women’s health, radiology, endocrinology, and robotic surgery. HEALTH CARE IN ARMENIA One of the most focused discussions of the Congress involved health care delivery and education in Armenia, with more than a hundred health professionals from Armenia in attendance. During a special telemedicine event, through the medium of television, the unique medical problems of two seriously ill patients in Armenia were televised live, and the doctors at the Congress were able to discuss and evaluate their conditions. Most popular was a lecture delivered by Dr. Hagop Akiskal on the provocative topic, "Chemistry of Romantic Love", where he revealed that the face and especially the lips provide 90 percent of attraction. Another well attended, but highly controversial and heated discussion revolved around the pros and cons of circumcision, where it was noted that the practice is not a custom among Armenians, and serves no religious purpose. A fascinating talk on mental health was delivered by Dr. Armen Nersisyan from Armenia who has been able to heal Mediterranean fever. In a jaw-dropping video, attendees saw a twelve-year old boy who two years earlier had been bitten by a dog, and was so traumatized that he could only speak by barking like a dog. Dr. Nersisyan and therapists using vibration tools and the prayers from "Narek" were able to cure the boy. In another inspirational demonstration, Dr. Edmund Gergerian who has cured many children in Armenia after the earthquake, again using vibration tools and tapping on acupuncture points, showed the power of the subconscious mind which is "80 percent of our being. One’s thoughts, words, activities generate energy sources. Energy balancing technology is the main source of love," he explained. "The language of energy has to lead to balance in the individual." Also of great interest was the topic, "Dignity in Health Care", addressed by Dr. Harutune Armenian in which he stated that dignity is achieved through structure (hospitals and clinics), process (waiting time, communication), and outcome (not just about disease and death, but about self-esteem and self-assurance). STRENGTHEN ARMENIA-DIASPORA RELATIONS In a passionate address, Armenia’s Minister of the Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan, attending the Congress to "strengthen ties between the diaspora and Armenia, thanked the Armenians of the diaspora for all the benefits they have given to Armenia. She pointed out that medicine in Armenia has improved greatly, and predicted that Armenia will become the medical center for the region. "We need the newest and the best. We want to connect with certain hospitals and doctors. And the Armenian Medical International Congress should be established in areas of the world where there aren’t enough Armenians. She detailed three issues that are crucial. "The diaspora must help in strengthening the Armenian language, family, culture and church. Armenia and the diaspora must solve problems together. And Armenianness must be strengthened. The diaspora should strengthen the return of the youth to their roots. The youth must wash their hands in Lake Sevan, and view the beauty of Ararat and Khor Virab. Armenia is the Hayrenik of ALL Armenians throughout the world," she declared with emphasis. "We have to have a strong Armenia. Let us strengthen the Armenian warmth, mind and culture," she stated to a standing ovation. Minister Hakobyan presented gold medals and certificates to several worthy individuals who have donated their tireless service to Armenia, including Armenian Medical International Congress (AMIC) President Dr. Avedis Dr. Bogosyan, and to Doctors Edgar Housepian, Aram Chobanian, John Nercessian, Dr. Frieda Jordan, as well as to Annette Choolfaian, and Rita Balian who established the Mammography-Wellness Center, one of the great health centers in Armenia which has saved the lives of thousands of women. Closing the four-day monumental event, Dr. Larry Najarian enthusiastically noted that "this tenth Congress begins AMIC’s 36th year. Through our substantive work, we have reinforced new and effective ways to connect with Armenia. This is our focus. It’s this work which will make a difference all over the world," he stated as all in attendance stood and sang the Armenian national anthem. |
