From education to clinical partnerships: Diaspora physician sees new opportuni

Armenian-American interventional pain specialist Dr. Armen Deryan believes Armenia can significantly strengthen its healthcare system by expanding international professional cooperation and systematically engaging the expertise of the Armenian diaspora.

Speaking during a visit to Armenia organized under the BRIDGE initiative, Deryan said the combination of medical education, clinical collaboration and long-term professional partnerships could help advance the country’s capabilities in pain management and minimally invasive medicine while positioning Armenia as a regional center for specialized healthcare.

Practicing in the United States, Deryan specializes in interventional pain management, regenerative medicine, spine interventions and image-guided minimally invasive procedures. Alongside his clinical work, he has been involved in physician education, mentorship programs and international medical cooperation.

“Armenia has always held a special place in my heart, and I have long wanted to find ways to contribute professionally to the development of its healthcare system,” he said.

According to Deryan, the BRIDGE initiative is designed to build sustainable links between Armenia and the diaspora through educational exchanges, mentorship, clinical cooperation and long-term institutional partnerships rather than short-term professional visits.

He said Armenia possesses considerable medical potential and that many of the country’s healthcare institutions are led by highly qualified and motivated professionals committed to expanding minimally invasive treatment options and strengthening international cooperation.

During his visit, Deryan toured several leading medical centers, including Erebuni Medical Center, the Interventional Radiology Center, Arabkir Medical Complex and ArtMed Medical Center, where he met physicians and administrators working to modernize clinical practice.

Deryan also highlighted the complementary role of the MEDam platform, which aims to strengthen links between healthcare, international cooperation and medical tourism by promoting quality standards, professional accreditation and patient-centered care.

He believes Armenia has the potential to become a regional hub for specialized medical services, particularly in pain management, interventional radiology, rehabilitation medicine and minimally invasive procedures.

The physician said many Armenian doctors abroad are already interested in contributing through initiatives such as BRIDGE, not to replace local professionals but to share expertise, mentor young physicians and build lasting professional networks.

“Medicine today is international, collaborative and rapidly evolving. The most important thing is to continue building bridges between generations, countries, institutions and ideas,” Deryan said.

The BRIDGE initiative promotes medical tourism in Armenia and facilitates visits by internationally recognized Armenian physicians to share their expertise with healthcare professionals in the country.