A Life-Changing Experience in Armenian Healthcare and Beyond

What motivates someone to return to Armenia, a country they’ve loved from afar but barely known in person, and contribute to its future? For Arina Megerdichian, who participated in the Birthright Armenia program in 2022, the answer lies in her unwavering dedication to public health and her desire to give back to her homeland.

“I actually didn’t think this incredible opportunity was a possibility at first until I was recommended by one of my pre-med mentors to explore all the connections that Birthright Armenia had to offer,” Arina reflects. After immigrating to the United States at eight years old, she was immersed in the rich Armenian community in Los Angeles. Her parents ensured she stayed connected to her roots, growing up reading the works of Paruyr Sevak and Raffi, taking afterschool Armenian classes, and participating in community activities like Homenetmen scouting. This foundation and her growing passion for public health became the perfect backdrop for her journey with Birthright Armenia.

Balancing Idealism with Reality

Once she landed in Yerevan and met her fellow volunteers, the romantic image of Armenia that many in the Diaspora hold was quickly balanced by a realization: “As Diasporans, we have this idealistic and romantic notion of what Armenia is—neglecting the fact that it operates day to day like any other country, with its own real-world problems and burdens.” During their first meeting, Arina recalls Sevan Kabakian, Birthright Armenia’s country director, stressing this point. “I think my time at the Ministry really opened my eyes to this fact as with every new project we had to account for sociopolitical factors, resource allocation, and public receptivity.”

Her placement at the Ministry of Health made her realize the intricacies of Armenia’s healthcare system, from navigating resource limitations to understanding the geopolitical context. Through these experiences, she gained critical insight into how public health policies are shaped and the importance of long-term, sustainable solutions. “This experience was critical in understanding the complexities of healthcare governance and the importance of sustainability—especially in the context of Armenia where Diasporan aid usually comes in spur-of-the-moment donations and short-term commitments to popularized issues.”

One of the key lessons Arina took away from her work at the Ministry was the need for lasting impact. “Armenia is not the helpless low- and middle-income country that people usually perceive it to be. Yes, there are some major developing country issues as it constantly shifts in rearranging priorities, but the country and its incredibly competent people have immense potential to innovate and grow if we invest in the health systems correctly,” she explains. During her time at the Ministry, she witnessed how Armenia’s priorities are often in flux, shifting from crisis management—such as wartime responses—to more sustainable long-term health reforms, underscoring the need for consistent investment in healthcare infrastructure.

The Birthright Armenia experience didn’t end with her initial placement. Arina continued her connection to Armenia by working with Alzheimer’s Care Armenia (ACA). This ongoing work, which began with designing data collection tools for early-detection cognitive impairment screening, expanded into a larger role as a research coordinator. One of ACA’s most recent accomplishments has been presenting the Brain Health Armenia research at the 2024 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in July.

Embracing Daily Life in Armenia

In a country where dementia is often dismissed as a natural part of aging, ACA’s projects have been transformative. From early-detection screening to caregiver support programs like Memory Cafés, ACA is addressing the stigma surrounding mental health and making real strides in improving the quality of life for Armenia’s aging population.

Looking forward, Arina’s work as a Dhablania Fellow is another milestone in her journey. The National Dementia Registry she’s helping to establish will provide critical data to inform future healthcare policies in Armenia. “The registry is designed with the primary aim of better understanding Alzheimer’s Disease prevalence in Armenia and helping standardize diagnostic workups,” she explains. “With this project, we hope to reinforce Armenia’s commitment to new and innovative clinical research that is reliable and truly makes a difference for patients enduring the everyday challenges of living with dementia.”

Birthright Armenia was one of the sparks that ignited Arina’s commitment to Armenia’s future. Beyond the professional growth, Arina fondly recalls the daily life in the country: “Just taking my everyday route to the Ministry, walking down the bustling streets with children running around and vendors selling fresh fruits only to catch the cool breeze of the Metro and grab some freshly baked goods before I hopped on was an entirely unique and lively experience that I had never felt in the U.S. Armenia was full of such good food and warm people, I found it incredibly difficult to return home.”

For those considering joining Birthright Armenia, especially those eyeing careers in public health, Arina has some advice: “This will be a life-changing experience if you invest in making it one, so embark on this journey with an open mind that is ready to learn and grow.” She also emphasizes the importance of building connections. “If you have a genuine passion to continue contributing to the country, create your own opportunities by demonstrating your dedication to different projects, advertising the skill sets you offer, and reaching out to the people you encounter.”

Arina’s journey is proof of the impact Birthright Armenia can have—not just on the individuals who participate but on the country itself. Through her work, she continues to contribute to Armenia’s healthcare landscape, making a lasting difference in the lives of its people. And she encourages others to do the same: “Armenia is full of potential. All it needs is for us to believe in it and contribute in ways that ensure a lasting, sustainable impact.”