The Armenian American Medical Society (AAMS) elected its 2016 board of directors at the organization’s general assembly held in November at Glendale Adventist Medical Center. More than 60 members were in attendance to choose their leadership for the coming year.

The following board members were re-elected or remained to serve in 2015-16: Raffi Tachdjian, MD, MPH, FAAAAI – president, Armond Kotikian, DDS, MD, FACS – vice president, Silva Gasparian, PharmD – treasurer,

Evelyn Baghdasraian Barkhoudarian, MD, FAAP – membership chair,

Serineh V. Melidonian, MD (immediate past president) – advisor and

Manual P. Momjian, MD, (immediate past vice president) – advisor.

Newly elected board members are Kevin Galstyan, MD – secretary, Tadeh Vartanian, PharmD – parliamentarian and Lusine Simonyants, MD – advisor.

“I want to continue strengthening the academic standing and collaborative efforts within AAMS,” Dr. Tachdjian said. “We will focus on broadening our outreach efforts, solidifying our programs, and promoting collaboration within our organization and with others.”

In addition, Dr. Vartanian’s election to the board holds special meaning to the society. In 2011 he was the recipient of an AAMS scholarship, which he used to complete his pharmacist studies. The AAMS believes these scholarships are an investment in developing future healthcare professionals who will play an important role in improving the health and wellbeing of the community. His commitment to serve on the board and advance the work of the AAMS is a testament to the success of this program.

Upcoming projects for 2016 include providing 25 CME and CDE credits through the AAMS professional development program, continued support of the Pediatric Epilepsy Program, Juvenile Diabetes Camp and the Women’s Clinic in Artsakh, the continuation of the scholarship and mentorship programs, and the seventh annual Glendale Health Festival. In addition, the AAMS will hold its annual gala with proceeds to benefit Syrian refugees.

The AAMS, with more than 600 members, is the largest Armenian medical society in the Diaspora. The directory of health practitioners is a resource for patients seeking care in various health-related disciplines and specialties. Its mission is to cultivate and develop professional, social and collegial relations amongst our members and contribute towards the improvement of health services rendered to the Armenian community in the Diaspora and Armenia. This is achieved by offering community health education, humanitarian assistance, medical services and outreach, as well as providing professional development and networking opportunities for our health practitioners.