Armenian Physicians Taking New Skills, Perspectives Home After Valley Children’s Visit

MADERA, Calif. – A collaborative visit to Valley Children’s Hospital will have an impact on children more than 7,000 miles away.

In June, the hospital hosted two visiting physicians from Armenia who spent two weeks observing new medical techniques and procedures. Those newfound skills will now be taken home and shared with other doctors who care for children in Armenia.

Both physicians, who came from Wigmore Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Yerevan, Armenia, worked side-by-side with doctors and nurses at Valley Children’s as part of a bilateral exchange of medical staff between the hospitals and nations. 

Small Changes, Big Impacts 

Dr. Tigran Mkrtchyan, a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon, spent his time observing clinics and operating rooms, learning approaches to care that are both effective and efficient.

One moment stood out: the treatment of a particular type of elbow fracture. At Valley Children’s, the fracture is repaired using temporary metal pins, which are later removed in the clinic, avoiding a second surgery. In Armenia, surgeons typically use screws that are more expensive and require another procedure for removal. “He told me he’s going to change how he performs those procedures when he gets back,” said Dr. Kerry Loveland, medical director of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery at Valley Children’s. 

Beyond techniques, the visit opened up opportunities for reflection and two-way learning. “It’s great to have him ask me questions about why I do what I do, because it makes me think – why do I do what I do? Is there good reasoning behind that?” Dr. Loveland added. “Collaboration is absolutely critical. No hospital facility becomes internationally known or a top-level provider of care in isolation.” 

The Power of Teamwork in Complex Care 

For Dr. Tatev Sargsyan, a pediatric gastroenterologist, the experience was equally eye-opening. She spent her time with the Valley Children’s Pediatric GI team, observing how they approach complex cases and make decisions together. 

She highlighted communication among the team as something she found particularly impressive. “Observing patient-centered teamwork at Valley Children’s was very inspiring. It taught me to listen deeply, collaborate effectively, think more broadly and appreciate the impact that cultural diversity brings to medical practice,” Dr. Sargsyan said. “I think what is most important for a patient is that the doctors and team can communicate with each other and make good decisions.” 

Both physicians are now back in Armenia, eager to share what they’ve learned – not just with their own patients, but with their colleagues, extending the reach of the partnership’s impact. This latest exchange builds on a foundation of success: earlier this year, with mentorship from the Valley Children’s neurosurgeon team, Wigmore physicians performed three drug-resistant epilepsy surgeries with no postoperative complications – a major milestone for Wigmore and patients in Armenia. 

“It took months of preparation for these two weeks of epilepsy surgeries, and I’m happy to say that all our patients are doing well and are seizure-free,” said Dr. Cesar Santos, medical director of Neurosciences at Valley Children’s. “We work well together. There is a lot of respect and exchanges of ideas.” 

From Observation to Action 

Overall, both Armenian doctors expressed their appreciation for the efficiency and teamwork at Valley Children’s, from clinic operations to surgical coordination. “It’s a good opportunity to see how medical care works here in the U.S. It is, of course, the best care in the world,” Dr. Mkrtchyan said. 

Dr. Sargsyan echoed the impact of the experience, particularly the collaborative spirit she hopes to continue upon her return to Wigmore. “I hope we will continue to communicate with each other when I go back to my country,” she said. “Sometimes we will have a difficult case, and I know I will have really good advice.” 

Since launching the partnership in 2023, Valley Children’s and Wigmore have supported five groups of physicians and staff traveling between California and Yerevan. This ongoing exchange of expertise is designed to drive improvements in care. While this trip focused on orthopaedic surgery and gastroenterology, the broader goal is to strengthen pediatric health systems in all specialties at Wigmore through continued mentorship from the Valley Children’s team. 

The collaboration between Valley Children’s and Wigmore will continue this fall, when several Valley Children’s staff and physicians travel to Armenia to continue the partnership by supporting Wigmore’s evolving pediatric healthcare needs.