Dr. Albert Phillips converses with a patient
BY DR. ALBERT and SUE PHILIPS
PARAMUS, N.J. — A team of 32 volunteers on July 2 departed for a 10-day Armenia Medical Mission. For the past 17 years, Dr. Albert and Susan Phillips, together with Dr. Chris Tashjian, have organized and led these annual medical missions, bringing compassionate healthcare and the love of Christ to communities throughout Armenia.
Due to the unprecedented number of volunteers who wished to participate this year, the mission was divided into two teams, allowing the outreach to expand to additional regions of the country.
Dr. Albert and Susan Phillips led the northern team, returning to the Lori region to serve the communities of Stepanavan and Ijevan. Ijevan was a new clinic location this year, reflecting the mission’s continued expansion into underserved areas of Armenia.
Dr. Chris Tashjian led the southern team, returning to Sisian while also establishing a new clinic in Vardenis. Vardenis represents an important area of focus for the AMAA’s ongoing outreach and development efforts. As in previous years, patients from surrounding villages were transported by bus to the clinic sites, ensuring that individuals in remote communities had access to medical care.
Patients were welcomed into the clinics, where they first underwent triage, including vital signs, urine testing, and electrocardiograms when indicated. Nurses and medical students then obtained medical histories before patients received additional diagnostic testing, including laboratory studies and ultrasound examinations when necessary.
Finally, patients were evaluated by physicians, who provided comprehensive medical care while also offering prayer and words of encouragement. Prescriptions were written for a wide range of medical conditions, most commonly hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Medications were dispensed at no cost, and pharmacists provided counseling to ensure that patients understood their treatment plans.
This year’s mission cared for 939 medical patients, while the dental team provided treatment for 141 patients. In addition to medical and dental services, the mission offered nutritional education, physical therapy evaluation and instruction, psychological counseling for both emotional and spiritual needs, and specialized training for children with special needs.
Throughout each clinic, patients were invited to local church services, where members of the mission team and local pastoral staff shared the hope and message of Jesus Christ.
A hallmark of the AMAA Medical Mission is the close partnership between visiting volunteers and their Armenian counterparts. Through the AMAA’s longstanding investment in medical outreach, Armenian physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals now work alongside U.S. volunteers during the mission and continue caring for patients after the teams return home.
This collaboration has created an effective and sustainable model of healthcare that combines quality medical treatment with compassionate Christian service.
The dental ministry has likewise continued to make a meaningful impact. In addition to providing treatment, the dental team educates children and families about proper oral hygiene practices, contributing to measurable improvements in dental health and a reduction in preventable tooth decay over the years.
The success of the Medical Mission depends upon the dedication of every participant. Physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, medical students, non-medical volunteers, and our faithful Armenian translators each play an indispensable role. Together, they function as a unified team with a common purpose: to serve God by caring for the physical and spiritual needs of the Armenian people.
The impact of the Medical Mission extends far beyond the clinics themselves. Each year, volunteers return home with their lives transformed through service, inspiring continued involvement, and cultivating the next generation of AMAA supporters and mission participants.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the leadership of the Armenian Missionary Association of America, especially Serge D. Buchakjian and Gary Phillips, Esq. for their steadfast support and commitment to the Medical Mission. We also express their heartfelt appreciation to their colleagues in Armenia, led by Aren Deyirmenjian and Dr. Gor Hovhannisyan, whose tireless efforts and partnership are essential to the mission’s continued success.
Planning is underway for the 18th AMAA Armenia Medical Mission in 2027. Individuals with a heart for service are encouraged to consider joining this life-changing ministry. Both medical and non-medical volunteers are welcome, and Armenian language skills are not required.
For additional information or to apply, please visit the AMAA website and select the Armenia Medical Mission link under the Projects section. Join us in making a lasting difference in the lives of the Armenian people while serving in the name of Jesus Christ.
Dr. Albert and Sue Phillips are the Founders/Directors of the AMAA Armenia Medical Mission.
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