Twenty-two physicians from the Fresno area will travel to Armenia on Oct 4 - 15 to provide medical and dental care to underserved and rural areas of Armenia.

The 12-day medical mission includes visiting six outlying provinces of Armenia – Aragatsotn, Shirak, Kotayk, Lori, Armavir, and Ararat.

The humanitarian mission is coordinated by Berj K. Apkarian, Honorary Consul of Armenia in Fresno, in coordination with the Ministry of Health in Armenia.

“The mission is very important; medical and dental care will be provided to the most rural areas of the country where there is a critical shortage,” said Apkarian. “We also hope it will inspire local area health care professionals to take part in future missions and humanitarian endeavors.”

The mission is two-fold; a three-day medical education symposium will also be held free of charge for local physicians. “It’s a tremendous way to share medical knowledge and training in these rural areas,” Apkarian said. “We want to encourage physicians from Armenia to pursue fellowships and other medical specializations in the United States.”

The mission is entirely funded by community and private contributions.