Before the forced exodus, Irina Saghyan, 39, worked as a gynecology and reproductive specialist in Artsakh. Since 2014, when she relocated from Yerevan and married her husband, Irina has dedicated herself to helping Artsakh women become mothers. Through the years, she has witnessed both moments of joy and challenges, but nothing compared to the nine-month blockade, when she felt powerless to assist patients who unfortunately experienced miscarriages. "I'm a mom to 289 Artsakh children, and I maintain contact with the majority of them," Irina proudly declares, reflecting on her current role at the Astghik Medical Center.
To further refine her skills and advance her career in reproductive medicine, Irina has enrolled in a Residency Program at the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Medicine at Yerevan State Medical University, with financial support from FAR covering the tuition of approximately 1 million AMD per year. "I realized I needed a residency program to pursue my dream profession in reproductive medicine. However, facing financial challenges as a displaced individual was daunting. That's when I thought, 'maybe FAR can help me through this?' And indeed, FAR did! With this assistance, I'm now on track to fulfill my dream. It's been a lifeline for me and my family," Irina says of the pivotal support.
Upon completion of her residency, Irina will acquire the necessary credentials to continue her work in a field she has been passionate about for years. "For me, in vitro fertilization (IVF) represents a miracle—the opportunity to bring joy and fulfillment to families longing for a child. It's a calling that resonates deeply within me, and I'm determined to make it a reality. The cry of a newborn, the first glimpse of a baby's form on a sonogram, the sound of a heartbeat—these are the moments that reaffirm my commitment to this path, and I'm grateful for the chance to pursue it once more.”
"Sponsorship of Postgraduate Education for Artsakh-displaced Healthcare Providers," in collaboration with the Armenian Medical Fund and Dr. Raffy Hovanessian Medical Education Fund, aims to support 17 physicians and 4 nurses who were displaced from Artsakh to Armenia in October 2023. Through specialized training sponsorships, including clinical residencies, the goal of the program is to facilitate their integration into Armenian healthcare facilities, equipping them with necessary expertise and licensing for employment.
To help more displaced Artsakh doctors find employment and new hope after displacement, please consider donating to FAR today.