The Armenian EyeCare Project has been providing fellowship opportunities to promising young ophthalmologists from Armenia at leading eye centers in the U.S. for nearly 20 years. Dr. Astghik Ghazaryan is the most recent ophthalmologist from Armenia to complete a two-year fellowship in her specialty of retina through AECP’s longstanding Fellowship Program.
Observing at University of California Irvine (UCI) under the mentorship of AECP Board Member Dr. Barry Kuppermann, Dr. Ghazaryan had the unique opportunity to advance her knowledge in her specialty through a targeted program that involved observing and participating in activities at UCI’s Gavin Herbert Eye Institute. Now the talented physician returns to Armenia to put her knowledge and skills to work. We had a chance to speak with Dr. Ghazaryan about her fellowship experience. Read on for the Q&A.
AECP: What do you feel is your biggest achievement from AECP’s Fellowship Program?
Ghazaryan: My most significant accomplishment from the program was gaining an in-depth understanding of the retinal field. I discovered innovative approaches to enhance retina clinics in Armenia, learned about cutting-edge techniques used globally and realized that achieving the impossible becomes possible with clear goals and supportive colleagues.
AECP: How do you plan to share the knowledge you gained from your fellowship with your peers in Armenia?
Ghazaryan: Teaching is a powerful way to deepen our own understanding so the first thing I aim to do is enhance my skills as a clinician and surgeon while also sharing my knowledge with my colleagues. But my greatest educational aspiration is to establish a Retinal Fellowship Program in Armenia. By using what necessary resources we have, we can create an exemplary program in this captivating field.
AECP: Is there anything you will do differently in your work? If so, what?
Ghazaryan: In Armenia, physicians encounter a diverse group of patients with various diseases that impact the retina. If we can ensure these patients also come under the care of retina specialists, we can preserve their vision more effectively and improve their quality of life. This is why we must increase awareness of diseases affecting the retina and strive to disseminate our knowledge more broadly. Given the compact and beautiful landscape of our country, spreading this information is not only feasible but essential.
AECP: What is one of the most memorable moments from your training?
Ghazaryan: I spent two wonderful yet challenging years in the U.S. It was tough but ultimately, unforgettable. When I was informed of the opportunity to take a two-year retinal fellowship at UCI, my initial fear was that I might fail. But upon arriving, Dr. Kuppermann advised me to leave my preconceptions and start afresh. At that time, this advice was particularly apt as my understanding of the retinal world was quite limited. A year into the program I realized that thanks to the guidance of five exceptional specialists at UCI, I had become an integral part of that exemplary team.
AECP: Is there anything else you’d like to say?
Ghazaryan: AECP’s Fellowship Program has consistently elevated the standard of ophthalmology in Armenia, training several doctors and elevating them to high levels of proficiency. This success is supported by people in the U.S. who hold a deep affection for Armenia and are eager to see both its people and the country thrive. I am proud to count myself among the Armenian doctors who have now had the honor of participating in this cherished program.
