InternationalGala banquet closes Armenian Medical World Congress, a four-day gathering
Published: Thursday July 23, 2009
Levon Nazarian, Nazar Nazarian, Lord Darzi, Haig Didizian, Vicki Shoghag Hovanessian, and Raffi Hovanessian at the Armenian Medical World Congress, New York, July 4, 2009. Karineh Gurjian-Angelo
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New York - Close to 600 people attended the gala banquet of the Armenian Medical World Congress in New York's Hilton Hotel Grand Ballroom on July 4, hosted by the Armenian American Health Professionals Organization (AAHPO), the 10th such congress in 36 years.
Three luminaries were honored at this event, including acclaimed robotic surgeon and British health minister Lord Ara Darzi, philanthropist Nazar Nazarian, and his son Dr. Levon Nazarian, who initiated and organized the Ultra-Sound Centre in Armenia.
Close to 400 health professionals from around the globe attending the four-day medical congress; more than a hundred attended from Armenia alone. The congress had as its main focus diaspora communication and assistance to healthcare workers and programs in Armenia. During the banquet, Dr. Lawrence Najarian announced that the AAHPO and the congress will be joining with Armenia Fund USA to augment their efforts in the future.
Guests of honor from Armenia included the chairperson of National Assembly's health committee, former health minister Dr. Ara Babloyan, Health Minister and entrepreneur Dr. Haroutyun Kushkyan, Diaspora Minister Hranush Hakobyan, Ph.D.,and Dr. Nani Oskanian, wife of former Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian. Karabagh's Health Minister Dr. Armen Khachatryan and Armenia's United Nations envoy Amb. Armen Martirossian were likewise among the guests of honor.
Celebratory climax
The evening started with a lavish reception accompanied by music. As the guests filled the banquet hall, it was a sight to see with tables decorated with tall glass vases displaying a glorious vista of fresh flowers and glowing lanterns hung from delicate branches.
Following an invocation by Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Dean of St. Vartan Cathedral, and the singing of the U.S. and Armenian national anthems by Taline Aynilian and Arthur Apkarian, respectively, Dr. Arthur Kubikian, AAHPO vice president, warmly welcomed the enthusiastic crowd.
Ably taking on the duties of master of ceremonies, Dr. Raffy Hovanessian who has attended nearly all of the past 10 Congresses, related with pride that "there have been tremendous strides and progress since our meeting in Lebanon 40 years ago. Now everyone is challenged to help the motherland."
Banquet co-chairs Vicki Shoghag Hovanessian and Seta Nalbandian, in welcoming remarks, noted that "medicine and volunteerism are the highest callings in life. These have been the cornerstone of AAHPO since its inception. This congress has been a celebration of people who chose to make a difference in people's lives, to make life better for all." Flower bouquets were presented to Mrs. Hovanessian, Mrs. Nalbandian, and the hospitality co-chair Dr. Louiza Kubikian. Dr. Aram Cazazian was also recognized as a hospitality co-chair.
"An unprecedented collaboration"
Dr. Avedis Bogosyan, AMIC president, and Dr. Vicken Pamoukian, co-chair of the congress, expressed appreciation to the AAHPO Board members and the banquet committee for their tireless efforts in bringing this congress to fruition. Congratulatory plaques were given to 15-year AMIC executive secretary Aida Boudjikanian, and to Dr. Jean Arakelyan.
In an enthusiastic address, AAHPO president Dr. Najarian declared, "This congress represents an unprecedented collaboration of Armenian organizations and individual healthcare providers. Our most important achievement has been to reinforce the charge that the Armenian Medical World Congress has espoused since its inception. We will uncover new and more effective ways to partner with our colleagues around the world and deliver 21st century healthcare to our brethren."
Dr. Najarian then paid tribute to the founding members of the AAHPO, including Doctors Nabet Kassabian, Knarig Khatchadurian, Khoren Nalbandian, Pierre Maldjian, Haikaz Grigorian, Edmund Gergerian, Kourken Chorbajian, Harout Mekhjian, and John Nercessian.
Gold medals presented
Well-known philanthropist Haig Didizian had traveled from London to introduce his friend Lord Darzi, whose parents were also present. Appointed health minister two years ago by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Lord Darzi, who received the Scientific Achievement Award, will be resigning his position at the end of this month in order to spend more time in medical research and with his patients.
He began his address by announcing that he will urge British politicians to attend the London Armenian Medical World Congress in four years. He paid tribute to the great humanitarian Lord Bryce, who climbed Mt. Ararat and in 1915 influenced the British Parliament to raise the issue of "what was happening in Armenia. We are here because Armenia is a nation with a very sad history, and also a nation with resilience which has led to many opportunities."
Nazar Nazarian, whose philanthropy has benefited Armenian and other communities throughout the world, was honored with the Humanitarian Award, and Dr. Levon Nazarian received the Medical Outreach Award. Speaking for both his father and himself, Dr. Nazarian called his father "my inspiration. It was wonderful to work together to create the Ultra-Sound Centre in Armenia," he said.
Closing the celebratory evening, Ms. Hakobyan, the diaspora minister, declared, "I kneel before great minds and great hearts." She presented gold medals to Mr. Nazarian from Armenia's president and the Ministry of Health "for his medical and educational philanthropy" and to Lord Darzi.
