Artem Petrosyan, 51, is the only family doctor in Argel village of Kotayk Province. He serves as a lifeline for around 3,200 residents of Argel and the nearby villages of Karashamb and Teghenik.
Every day, Artem makes the 65 km round trip from his home in Yerevan to Argel. His journey began in 2016 after years in Yerevan’s emergency units. Seeking a new professional mission, he shifted from crisis medicine to ambulatory care, becoming the traveling doctor for these Kotayk communities.
Commuting wasn’t easy at first. “It was tough,” Artem recalls. “I had to get up early and catch multiple buses.” But things have improved, and now he uses his bus rides to catch up on the latest medical news on his iPad. “There are days when I’m really tired and don’t want to go, but I always remember: if someone needs you, then your life is meaningful,” he says. Every day, he sees at least 15 patients.
This March, Artem sought more than just news updates on his commute. He applied for FAR’s Continuing Medical Education (CME) Program, undergoing four weeks of practical and theoretical training at one of Yerevan’s leading medical centers. “It was my first training since graduating from Medical University in 1995,” he shares. “The training helped me assess whether my approach was effective or needed updating. Being the only doctor in the region, it’s crucial to connect with colleagues and share experiences.” He also found valuable resources at the republican medical library.
“For doctors like me, who graduated long ago, this training is crucial. The medical world has changed, and we need to update our knowledge and skills.”
To support more dedicated doctors like Artem in remote regions of Armenia, consider donating to FAR today.
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