During the first weekend of February 2025, our doctor-leaders gathered for a transformative retreat, marking an important milestone in their journey with Health For Armenia. After three months of online training, this was their first opportunity to meet in person—to deepen their learning, put leadership and medical knowledge into practice, and receive in-depth feedback on their healthcare improvement projects.
Unlike traditional training programs based in the capital, we intentionally held this retreat in a rural setting, reinforcing our commitment to uplifting underserved communities and ensuring that learning happens where it is needed most. Our host, Concept Hotel by COAF, was a fitting location, aligning with our shared mission to support rural Armenia’s development.
This retreat was not only about training—it was about building a community of changemakers. Our doctor-leaders engaged in collaborative discussions, learned from experts in the field, and set the stage for the next phase of their work in transforming healthcare in their communities.
Leadership in healthcare is not just about knowledge—it’s about creating a culture of trust, accountability, and continuous improvement. One of the key themes of the retreat was the power of vulnerability, inspired by Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead. Together, our doctor-leaders reflected on the kind of leaders they want to be and discussed ways to foster a supportive and psychologically safe environment within their teams and communities.
Our Program Manager, Roubina Karhily, led a hands-on session on quality improvement, giving tje doctors am opportunity to apply their new knowledge of practical tools such as fishbone diagrams, flowcharts, and tables to real-life examples, helpingthem systematically identify and address challenges in their practices. Through real-world exercises, they learned how to analyze problems, develop targeted interventions, and create sustainable solutions for better patient outcomes.
"The retreat was an experience of recharging and self-discovery for me. It gave me new ideas, motivation, and a desire to move forward. All of this seemed to help me look at life and possibilities from a new perspective."
Dr Hasmik Avetisyan, doctor-leader, Kapan
Medical excellence is at the heart of our mission, and this retreat provided an opportunity for deep, case-based learning. The HENAR medical team led an interactive session using SOAP notes as a structured method for differential diagnosis. By working through clinical cases, our doctor-leaders refined their diagnostic reasoning and decision-making skills.
Former Minister of Health Dr. Arsen Torosyan led a session on patient safety, highlighting the different ways doctors can proactively improve care within their local health systems. Discussions focused on how people, processes, and environments interact to influence patient safety, and how doctors can advocate for accountability while ensuring they receive the support they need to provide high-quality care.
Additionally, we were honored to have visiting guests Dr. Shant Shekherdimian and his colleagues join us to learn more about the program and see its impact first hand.
One of the most exciting moments of the retreat was the presentation of doctor-led improvement projects. Each of our doctor-leaders has committed to implementing a project within their practice, designed to address pressing healthcare challenges in their communities. These projects will tackle key issues such as:
✅ Improving diabetes screenings and treatments
✅ Increasing HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening rates
✅ Reducing childhood obesity through school-based interventions
✅ Enhancing hypertension control using evidence-based guidelines
Through peer feedback and staff mentorship, the doctors refined their plans, ensuring their initiatives are practical, evidence-based, and impactful. These projects will be a critical step toward creating sustainable improvements in Armenia’s rural healthcare system.
Beyond the technical training and project work, this retreat reinforced the strength of our growing community. The doctor-leaders built deeper connections, exchanged ideas, and experienced firsthand the power of vulnerability—being open to feedback, embracing new perspectives, and supporting one another in their shared mission.
"The retreat not only provided a peaceful atmosphere, but also gave me new breath and strength to continue my path in a more conscious way."
Dr Inga Akhtieva, Doctor-Leader, Nor Hachn
As they return to their communities, they will continue their next three months of training, refining their skills and implementing their projects. Their work will culminate in a poster presentation, where they will showcase their findings and share their progress with healthcare stakeholders and peers.
We are incredibly proud of the dedication and passion of our doctor-leaders and are inspired by their commitment to driving change from within Armenia’s healthcare system. This retreat was just the beginning—together, we are building a future where every person in Armenia has access to high-quality, compassionate, and evidence-based healthcare.
At Health For Armenia, we believe that lasting change comes through collaboration and shared expertise. You can support our mission in two impactful ways:
📚 Teach & Inspire – We welcome medical and leadership professionals from Armenia and around the world to lead a session in our weekly Zoom training program, sharing knowledge on leadership, quality improvement, patient care, and other critical healthcare topics. Your expertise can directly empower doctors serving in Armenia’s most underserved communities.
💙 Donate & Make a Difference – Your contributions help us train, support, and equip rural doctors with the tools they need to lead transformative change in their communities. Every donation goes toward ensuring accessible, high-quality healthcare for all in Armenia.
Join us in building a stronger, more resilient healthcare system for Armenia. To get involved, visit Health For Armenia or reach out to us at info@healthforarmenia.org.
