10 Most Influential Armenian Doctors Throughout History

Published in

Heritage Digest

11 min readMay 18, 2024

Armenia has a rich history of contributing to the medical field through the efforts of its skilled and compassionate doctors. This article celebrates the ten most influential Armenian doctors who have left an indelible mark on medicine. From pioneering surgeons to innovative researchers, these individuals have advanced healthcare and inspired countless others with their dedication and achievements.

Mkhitar Heratsi (12th Century)
Amirdovlat Amasiatsi (1420–1496)
Gregory of Narek (950–1003)
Ara Babloyan (1947-Present)
Moses Housepian (1876–1952)
Varaztad Kazanjian (1879–1974)
Mihran Kassabian (1870–1910)
Hampar Kelikian (1899–1983)
Michel Ter-Pogossian (1925–1996)
Albert Kapikian (1930–2014)

1. Mkhitar Heratsi (12th Century)

Mkhitar Heratsi, born in Khoy, now part of northwestern Iran, emerged in the 12th century as a pioneering figure in Armenian medicine. Mastering Persian, Greek, and Arabic, Heratsi’s early life and education set the stage for his profound contributions to medical science. While details of his upbringing and the roles of his parents remain largely undocumented, his multilingual proficiency suggests a rich educational background, enabling him to access and contribute to the vast medical knowledge of his time.

Heratsi is celebrated as the father of Armenian medicine, a title that underscores his monumental contributions to the field. His seminal work, “Relief of Fevers,” is an encyclopedic compilation that explores surgery, diet, psychotherapy, and other medical subjects. This work solidified his status as a medical authority and served as a cornerstone for future generations of Armenian doctors. His approach to treating fevers and insights into various medical disciplines highlight his innovative and holistic approach to healthcare.

Though Mkhitar Heratsi lived centuries ago, his legacy endures, particularly through the Yerevan State Medical University, which has proudly borne his name since 1989. The university’s commitment to excellence in medical education is a testament to Heratsi’s enduring influence, with the “Mkhitar Heratsi scholarship” awarded to its most distinguished students. His contributions to medicine continue to inspire and impact the field, cementing his place as a foundational figure in the annals of Armenian medical history.

2. Amirdovlat Amasiatsi (1420–1496)

Amirdovlat Amasiatsi was born in Amasia around 1420, in a period rich with medical and scientific exploration. His early life set the stage for his journey into the medical field, though specific details about his family and upbringing are scarce. His education, which began in Armenian schools in Amasia and Sebastia and continued through his travels across Asia and Iran, provided him with a broad knowledge base, particularly in pharmacology and natural sciences.

Amirdovlat’s career flourished in Constantinople, where he served as chief physician to Mehmed II. This position highlighted his medical expertise and contributions to the field, including his work on clinical medicine and pharmacology. His writings, especially “The Benefits of Medicine” and “Akhrabadin,” reflect his deep understanding of medicine and his desire to make knowledge accessible to professionals and the lay public.

Amirdovlat Amasiatsi died on December 8, 1496, either in Amasia or Bursa. His death marked the end of a life dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and practice. His works, particularly “Useless for Ignoramuses,” which cataloged over 3000 plants and their medical uses, remain invaluable to the study of medieval medicine and pharmacology, underscoring his lasting legacy in the history of Armenian and world medicine.

3. Gregory of Narek (950–1003)

Gregory of Narek, born around 950 in the village on the southern shores of Lake Van, now eastern Turkey, was immersed in a deeply religious and intellectual environment from an early age. His father, Khosrov Andzevatsi, a bishop and a member of the Armenian nobility, and his upbringing within the walls of Narekavank provided Gregory with a unique spiritual and scholarly foundation. This environment nurtured his eventual path as a monk, poet, and theologian.

Educated and ordained at Narekavank, Gregory’s contributions to Armenian literature and theology were profound. His works, primarily written in Middle Armenian, made them accessible to his contemporaries and later generations. The “Book of Lamentations,” his magnum opus, is a cornerstone of Armenian spiritual literature, blending mystical thought with a deep, personal dialogue with God. This work and his other writings positioned Gregory as a pivotal figure in the Armenian religious tradition, embodying his time's intellectual and spiritual fervor.

Gregory of Narek passed away in the early 11th century, leaving behind a legacy that has endured through centuries. His works, especially the “Book of Lamentations,” continue to be a source of spiritual inspiration and are revered in Armenian households and the broader Christian community. Declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Francis in 2015, Gregory’s theological insights and poetic expressions remain a testament to his profound spirituality and his lasting impact on Christian mysticism and Armenian heritage.

4. Ara Babloyan (1947-Present)

Ara Babloyan, born May 5, 1947, began a distinguished career in medicine and public service after graduating from the M. Heratsi Yerevan State Medical University in 1971. With a deep commitment to pediatric healthcare, he furthered his education and skills through residency, postgraduate courses, and professional development in pediatric surgery and organ transplantation in various esteemed institutions across Russia, Belgium, Switzerland, and France. His academic and professional pursuits led him to become a professor and post-doctorate medical degree holder, highlighting his dedication to advancing medical knowledge and practice.

Babloyan significantly contributed to pediatric medicine throughout his career, particularly in pediatric surgery and urology. He held several key positions, including the Chief Pediatric Surgeon of the Ministry of Health of Armenia. He was instrumental in founding the “Specialized Center of Urology, Nephrology and Pediatric Surgery.” His leadership roles within international and local medical organizations, such as the WHO Executive Committee and the Armenian Association of Pediatricians, further exemplify his influence in shaping healthcare policies and practices. Babloyan’s work has not only advanced the medical profession but has also directly impacted the lives of countless children and families through improved healthcare services.

In addition to his medical achievements, Ara Babloyan’s involvement in politics as a member and eventually as the President of the National Assembly of Armenia marks a significant phase of his career, blending healthcare expertise with legislative leadership. Despite facing legal challenges later in his career, Babloyan’s contributions to medicine have been recognized through numerous awards and honors, reflecting his lasting impact on the field and Armenian-French relations. His journey from a dedicated medical professional to a distinguished public servant underscores a life committed to serving his country and advancing the health and well-being of its citizens.

5. Moses Housepian (1876–1952)

Moses Minas Housepian was born in 1876 in Kessab, Cilicia, then part of the Ottoman Empire, now Syria. His early life was marked by the trauma of escaping the Hamidian massacres, a harrowing experience that perhaps shaped his future dedication to humanitarian work. After surviving such turmoil, Housepian pursued medical studies, graduating from Long Island College Hospital in 1905, setting the stage for his significant contributions to medicine and humanitarian aid.

As a physician, Housepian’s most notable achievements came from his leadership in a humanitarian medical mission in Russian Armenia from 1916 to 1918, during the height of the Armenian Genocide. His efforts in treating refugees and stopping the spread of typhus earned him the titles “Angel of Mercy” and “Dr. Purgich” (Dr. Saviour). His work during this period saved countless lives and highlighted the crucial role of medical professionals in crises, embodying the intersection of healthcare and humanitarian aid.

Moses Housepian passed away on December 11, 1952, in New York City, leaving a legacy of compassion and dedicated service. His contributions to medical humanitarian aid have left an indelible mark, inspiring future generations. His life’s work, particularly in the context of the Armenian Genocide, underscores the profound impact that one individual can have on the lives of many through the application of medical knowledge and a commitment to humanitarian principles.

6. Varaztad Kazanjian (1879–1974)

Varaztad H. Kazanjian was born on March 18, 1879, in Erzincan, Ottoman Empire. His early life was marked by the need to escape the tumultuous and dangerous environment for Armenians in the Ottoman Empire, leading him to the United States in 1895. Settling in Worcester, Massachusetts, he demonstrated early signs of the dexterity that would later define his pioneering work in plastic surgery. Kazanjian’s journey from working in a wire factory to pursuing dental education at Harvard School of Dental Medicine showcases his determination and resilience.

Kazanjian volunteered for the Harvard Medical Corps during World War I, serving in Camiers, France. Here, he began to apply his skills and innovation to treat severe facial injuries, laying the groundwork for modern plastic surgery techniques. His work under challenging conditions showcased his medical genius and his deep compassion for those in dire need of reconstructive surgery. This period was pivotal in establishing Kazanjian as a key figure in the nascent field of plastic surgery.

Varaztad Kazanjian’s post-war career was distinguished by his tenure as a professor at Harvard, where he became the first to hold the title of Professor of Plastic Surgery. His leadership roles in various medical societies and his contributions to the academic and clinical practice of plastic and reconstructive surgery cemented his legacy as a founder of modern plastic surgery. Kazanjian’s recognition, including prestigious awards and honors, reflects the profound impact of his work until his passing on October 19, 1974. His life story is a testament to the power of innovation, education, and humanitarian service in the medical profession.

7. Mihran Kassabian (1870–1910)

Mihran Krikor Kassabian was born on August 25, 1870, in Kayseri, in the historical region of Cappadocia, which is now part of modern Turkey. Growing up in an era marked by seismic activity and the threat of massacre, Kassabian’s early life was shadowed by the broader turmoil affecting Armenians in the Ottoman Empire. Despite these challenges and his family’s modest means, he pursued education with zeal, initially at the American Missionary Institute in Kayseri, which laid the groundwork for his medical ambitions.

Kassabian’s medical journey led him from Kayseri to London and eventually to Philadelphia, where he attended the Medico-Chirurgical College. His fascination with X-rays began during his service in the United States Army Hospital Corps during the Spanish–American War. This pivotal experience shaped his future contributions to radiology. Upon his return, Kassabian completed his medical degree and embarked on a career that would see him at the forefront of the emerging field of radiology, blending his interest in photography with medical science.

Kassabian’s contributions to medicine were profound, particularly in radiology, where he pioneered X-rays. Despite the personal cost, including radiation-induced injuries that ultimately led to his early death at age 39 on July 14, 1910, Kassabian’s work laid foundational stones for the use of X-rays in diagnosis and treatment. His textbook on electrotherapeutics and radiology became a seminal resource, highlighting his significant legacy in medical science and education.

8. Hampar Kelikian (1899–1983)

Hampar Kelikian, born Hamparzoum Keklikian on January 17, 1899, in Hadjin, Ottoman Empire, embarked on a profound journey that led him to become a pioneering Armenian American orthopedic surgeon. Fleeing the Armenian Genocide, which claimed the lives of his three sisters, Kelikian arrived in the United States in 1920, fueled by a dream to heal and inspired by his uncle, a physician in the Ottoman army. His educational path took him from waiting tables at the University of Chicago to receiving a scholarship for medical study, ultimately shaping his future contributions to orthopedic surgery.

During World War II, Kelikian’s expertise saw him serving as chief orthopedic surgeon, where he notably treated U.S. Senator Bob Dole, saving his arm from amputation and restoring its use through innovative surgical techniques. This period highlighted Kelikian’s commitment to his patients and exceptional limb restoration skills. His refusal to accept fees from veterans like Dole underscored his compassion and dedication to service beyond monetary gain.

Kelikian’s legacy extends beyond his military service, marked by his tenure as an emeritus associate professor of orthopedic surgery and his groundbreaking work in hand, ankle, and foot surgery. His contributions to medical literature and specialization in treating congenital deformities have left an indelible mark on the field. Kelikian passed away on July 24, 1983, but his legacy of innovation, compassion, and dedication to healing continues to inspire. His story is a testament to the power of resilience and the impact one individual can have on many lives.

9. Michel Ter-Pogossian (1925–1996)

Michel Matthew Ter-Pogossian was born on April 21, 1925, in Berlin to Armenian parents who had escaped the Armenian genocide. Growing up in France, his fascination with science began early, influenced by his uncle, a physician in the Ottoman army. This early exposure to the medical field, combined with his personal experiences during the French Resistance in World War II, likely shaped his commitment to advancing medical technology. Ter-Pogossian’s educational journey took him from the University of Paris, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, to the Institute of Radium under Irène Joliot-Curie, culminating in his graduation in 1946.

In pursuit of further education, Ter-Pogossian moved to the United States in 1946, enrolling at Washington University in St. Louis. Attracted by the opportunity to study under Arthur Compton and drawn by the excitement of post-war America, he embarked on a path that would lead him to significant achievements in nuclear physics and medical imaging. Earning his master’s degree in 1948 and his Ph.D. in nuclear physics in 1950, Ter-Pogossian’s academic and research pursuits were firmly rooted in the burgeoning field of nuclear medicine.

Ter-Pogossian’s most enduring contribution to medical science was his pioneering work on positron emission tomography (PET). Regarded as one of the creators of PET, he dedicated his career at Washington University’s Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology to improving medical imaging techniques. His innovative use of cyclotron-produced radioactive tracers in the 1950s laid the groundwork for PET as a practical diagnostic tool, revolutionizing how diseases, especially cancer, are diagnosed and treated. He passed away on June 19, 1996, due to an apparent heart attack while vacationing in Paris. Ter-Pogossian’s legacy, marked by his moniker as the “father of PET,” continues to impact medical diagnostics and research globally, illustrating the profound influence of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing healthcare technology.

10. Albert Kapikian (1930–2014)

Albert Zaven Kapikian, born in 1930, hailed from an Armenian-American background. His upbringing was marked by curiosity and determination, traits that would shape his future in medical research. His parents instilled in him a passion for learning. Kapikian’s father and mother, though their specific professions are undisclosed, provided him with a supportive environment conducive to academic pursuits.

After graduating from Cornell Medical College in 1956, Kapikian embarked on a distinguished career at the National Institutes of Health in 1957. His educational journey laid the foundation for his groundbreaking work in virology.

Kapikian’s seminal contributions to medical science include the development of the first licensed rotavirus vaccine, a crucial advancement in combating severe infant diarrhea. Additionally, his identification of the Norwalk virus and hepatitis A virus significantly contributed to the understanding and managing of gastroenteritis. Kapikian’s legacy as a pioneering virologist endures, inspiring future generations. He passed away on February 24, 2014, leaving behind a profound impact on global health.