In 2023, FAR bid farewell to the remarkable Dr. Aram V. Chobanian, President Emeritus of Boston University, and Dean of BU School of Medicine who was a world-renowned cardiologist, a dear friend of the organization, a remarkable humanitarian, and an exceptional human being. He passed away on August 31st at the age of 94.

 

Dr. Chobanian, a long-time member of FAR’s Board of Directors, was one of the great leaders, inspirations and innovators for FAR’s programs to improve the healthcare system in Armenia. He was an eminent figure in the Armenian Diaspora who recognized the pressing need to strengthen the scientific community in Armenia following the collapse of the Soviet system. He brought an unwavering commitment to this cause through his leadership and involvement in many of FAR’s health programs which aimed to advance undergraduate and graduate medical education and scientific initiatives.

 

Between 1995 and the 2000s, he championed the establishment and growth of emergency medical care and training centers at the St. Grigor Lusavorich Medical Center, a vital contribution to postwar Armenia. He also chaired the International Advisory Board of Yerevan State Medical University (YSMU), making the Boston University Medical School library accessible to YSMU students, and ultimately contributing to the development of YSMU's curriculum.

 

Alongside luminaries such as Yervant Terzian, Vartan Gregorian, Edgar Housepian, and Mihran Agbabian, he played a pivotal role in the inception of ANSEF in 2000. Over the course of more than two decades, Dr. Chobanian emerged as an unwavering champion and advocate for ANSEF. Thanks to his dedication, more than 2,000 Armenian scientists spanning three generations found the means to remain at home in Armenia and conduct pioneering research and development rather than seeking opportunities abroad.

 

Dr. Chobanian's journey began in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, where he was raised within the close-knit Armenian immigrant community. Like many, he was inspired to pursue excellence in education. His path led him to Brown University and later to Harvard Medical School where he earned his M.D. Dr. Chobanian's impact on the world of medicine was profound, as he played a pivotal role in establishing the link between hypertension and accelerated vascular disease, including atherosclerosis.

 

His illustrious career found its roots at Boston University and its renowned medical school, where it flourished and blossomed into brilliance. In 1973, he founded the Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, overseeing its remarkable transformation into a hub for cutting-edge research in cardiovascular disease. Dr. Chobanian's legacy also included a leadership role in the merger of Boston City Hospital and Boston University Medical Center Hospital, which resulted in the creation of Boston Medical Center. 

 

In September 2022, the School of Medicine at Boston University was renamed the Boston University Aram V. Chobanian & Edward Avedisian School of Medicine, a fitting tribute following a generous gift from his childhood friend, Edward Avedisian.

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Dr. Chobanian was a polymath, a rare individual graced with a multitude of talents who enriched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His boundless imagination soared to such heights that he even ventured into the realm of composing symphonies and operas, demonstrating the breadth of his creative spirit.

  

Dr. Chobanian’s absence leaves a profound void, but FAR remains committed to preserving his legacy and ensuring that his tireless dedication to the organization’s mission in supporting his less privileged fellow Armenians in Armenia endures. Everyone at FAR continues to strive to honor his memory by carrying forward his legacy.