I am very thankful for this opportunity to work at the Arachi Hivantanots (Hospital #1) through the Armenian Medical Association here in Yerevan. My friend Mike and I got to do things that they only let MDs do in America. I enjoyed my time here greatly, and it is an experience I will not forget.

Because of our very rewarding experience, Mike and I will not stop our involvement when we leave Yerevan. We have taken pictures of the hospital and we will put on a presentation which will hopefully assist in the start-up of more programs to get American-Armenian doctors to Armenia to give lectures or have conferences. No matter how much money you give, the knowledge and training is the most important thing.

Not only will I contribute to the medical field, but I will highly recommend the Birthright Armenia program to anyone thinking about coming to Armenia. My last four weeks have been amazing with the BR program. The trip to Artsakh was more than I could have ever hoped for.

Hanna “Johnny” Elchemmas (USA)
ACYOA (ASP) volunteer and BR/DH participant, 2005