AAMS Honors Past Presidents, Awards Healthcare Leaders, and Sets the Stage for the Next 40 Years of Impact
LOS ANGELES—The Armenian American Medical Society on April 5 celebrated four decades of service, unity, and achievement at its 40th Anniversary Gala, held at the Landmark in Mission Hills. Themed “Legacy,” the sold-out celebration welcomed 500 guests, including healthcare professionals, community leaders, and longtime supporters, for a heartfelt and high-energy evening honoring the organization’s transformative journey.
The central highlight of the evening was a moving tribute to fourteen Past Presidents of AAMS—visionary leaders whose commitment and guidance helped shape the Society into the global force it is today. Each was honored with a personalized award and recognition for their invaluable contributions. They include:
- Kevin Galstyan, MD, FACOG
- Armond Kotikian, DDS, MD, FACS
- Raffi Tachdjian, MD, MPH, FAAAAI
- Serineh V. Melidonian, MD
- Vicken Sepilian, MD, FACOG
- Varoosh Alaverdian, MD, FACOG
- Boris Bagdasarian, DO
- Armen J. Cherik, MD, MBA
- David G. Davtyan, MD, FACS, FICS
- Silva Karchikian, MD
- Bedros H. Kojian, MD, FACOG
- Misak H. Abdulian, MD ♰
- T. Gregory Kirianoff, MD, FACS ♰
- Misak Barsamian, MD ♰
“These are the pillars who built the foundation and gave us the tools to keep building,” said AAMS President Garni Barkhoudarian, MD. “We owe our strength and our future to their legacy of leadership, service, and vision.”
In addition to honoring past presidents, the evening featured the presentation of the 2025 AAMS Presidents’ Leadership Award to three exemplary healthcare leaders:
- Harry Balian, MD, FACC, FSCAI
- Arsine Kalfayan Geuvdjelian, PharmD
- Ramella Markarian, MS, MHA, Ed.D.
The event opened with powerful renditions of the American and Armenian national anthems, beautifully performed by Sosie Mardirosian and accompanied by pianist Armen Bulbulyan, setting the tone for a night of elegance and gratitude. Guests were treated to a gourmet dinner, vibrant socializing, and unforgettable live entertainment by Armenian music icon Christine Pepelyan, whose dynamic performance brought the room to life.
“This was more than a celebration. It was a moment to reflect on who we are and where we’re going,” said Executive Board Member and Gala Co-Chair Elizabeth Zoryan, RN, BSN, PHN. “Our past presidents not only led—they inspired. And through them, the mission of AAMS lives on.”
“This gala was a tribute to every volunteer, every member, and every leader who poured their time, heart, and expertise into building something bigger than themselves,” added Executive Board Member and Gala Co-Chair Sherwin Hariri, MD, FAAAAI, FACAAI. “As the largest Armenian medical society in the Diaspora, AAMS has played a crucial role in advancing healthcare in Armenia, Artsakh, and the Diaspora, while also supporting Armenian medical students both here and in the Motherland. The spirit of service that launched AAMS 40 years ago is stronger than ever—and it will guide us for the next 40.”
Since its founding in 1985 in the home of the late Dr. Misak Barsamian, AAMS has grown into the largest organization of Armenian healthcare professionals in the world. With initiatives spanning medical education, humanitarian missions, scholarships, and community health, AAMS continues to bridge borders and improve lives across the Armenian diaspora and beyond.
Proceeds from the gala will fund healthcare initiatives in Armenia and the expansion of AAMS’s scholarship program, helping support and inspire the next generation of healthcare leaders.
To learn more about the Armenian American Medical Society or support its mission, visit the website.
