Armenian Medical World Congress convenes in New York

New advances in medicine discussed

by Florence Avakian

Published: Monday July 13, 2009

Related Articles

Dr. Raffy Hovanessian to emcee Armenian World Medical Congress gala banquet July 4

Three outstanding leaders to be honored at Armenian Medical World Congress banquet July 4

New York - More than 350 Armenian health professionals from 10 countries on five continents assembled at the New York Hilton from July 1 to 4 for the Tenth Armenian Medical World Congress. The congress featured world-famous doctors along with the latest findings on several medical questions.

Among the many prominent attendees were Britain's health minister Lord Ara Darzi, the health minister of Armenia Dr. Harutiun Kushkian, Armenia's diaspora minister Hranush Hakobyan, Ph.D., former health minister of Armenia Dr. Ara Babloyan, the health minister of Karabakh Dr. Armen Khachatrian, and the president of the American University of Armenia Dr. Haroutune Armenian.

Eminent healthcare providers also included geneticist Dr. Vazken Der Kaloustian, Armenian Eyecare Project founder Dr. Roger V. Ohanesian, endocrinologists Dr. Sylva Arslanian and Dr. Avedis Khachadourian, and public-health expert Dr. Myron Allukian, Jr. Attending many of the functions were Armenia's ambassador to the United Nations Armen Martirossian and Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D.-N.J.), founder and co-chair of the Congressional Armenian Caucus.

Dr. Raymond Damadian, inventor of the MRI, said there was a need for both a sitting and standing MRI, in addition to the lying down version that is commonly used. Lord Darzi discussed in detail his work in Great Britain on a series of healthcare reforms, which stress the concept of quality.

Also addressing the assemblage was Dr. Ara Hovanessian, a top cancer specialist from Paris, who is looking for a cure for cancer.

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.

Popular topics

One of the most focused discussions of the congress involved healthcare delivery and education in Armenia. More than 100 health professionals from Armenia were 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 claimed that the face and especially the lips provide 90 percent of attraction.

Another well attended and 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 reports having 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 reported using "vibration tools" and the prayers from the 10th-century St. Gregory of Narek's Book of Lamentations to cure the boy.

In another inspirational demonstration, Dr. Edmund Gergerian, who worked with many children in Armenia after the earthquake, again using vibration tools and tapping on acupuncture points, spoke of the power of the subconscious mind, which, he said, is "80 percent of our being. One's thoughts, words, activities generate energy sources. Energy balancing technology is the main source of love," he said. "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. Haroutune 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

Armenia's diaspora minister, Ms. Hakobyan - who with Rita Balian is cofounder of the Armenian American Wellness Center in Yerevan - gave a passionate address. He thanked 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.

Ms. Hakobyan presented gold medals and certificates to several individuals who have donated their services to Armenia, including Armenian Medical International Congress (AMIC) President Dr. Avedis Dr. Bogosyan, and to Drs. Edgar Housepian, Aram Chobanian, John Nercessian, and Frieda Jordan, as well as to Annette Choolfaian and Ms. Balian.

Closing the four-day 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.