Publications
30.04.2025
2 min
Repat Story
Shant’s Shekherdimian: A Doctor for the Healthcare System
-webp(85)-o(png).webp?token=9cc128122144f9fb10778d186139125f "Shant’s Shekherdimian: A Doctor for the Healthcare System")
Born and raised in California, Dr. Shant Shekherdimian’s connection to Armenia began in 1997 during his first visit to Armenia. What started as curiosity evolved into commitment, and eventually, into a life deeply intertwined with Armenia’s future.
Today Shant is a pediatric surgeon with a background in public health but in 2005, he and his friends chose to spend a summer teaching English in the village of Martuni. It was “a life-changing experience to be immersed in the village life.”
Dr. Shekherdimian has found a way to consistently return to Armenia and has since repatriated, though still maintains his practice in California. As a professional, he has been embedded in the Ministry of Health as an advisor, working alongside government officials with a seat at the policy-making table since 2019. And yet still sees his role not as a savior, but as a student—learning, listening, and gradually contributing to a more sustainable healthcare infrastructure.
Dr. Shekherdimian has found a way to consistently return to Armenia and has since repatriated, though still maintains his practice in California. As a professional, he has been embedded in the Ministry of Health as an advisor, working alongside government officials with a seat at the policy-making table since 2019. And yet still sees his role not as a savior, but as a student—learning, listening, and gradually contributing to a more sustainable healthcare infrastructure.
As he points out, “one of the biggest misconceptions the diaspora has, is thinking that Armenia needs to be saved. We come with ideas and solutions before we understand the problems. After 20 years, I still don’t have all the answers.” Shant says this as someone who is making every effort to implement a lasting impact, one that doesn’t come from quick fixes, but from institutional development and local capacity building.
He explained how Armenia does not lack skilled professionals or equipment, but it struggles with foundational issues like primary care, medical education, and institutional governance. Shant has focused his efforts on what he calls PQR: Primary Care, Quality, and Reform, making every effort to establish a sustainable healthcare system in Armenia.
His work involves everything from medical licensing development to reshaping medical education. “The place where we need to invest is in creating the capacity for Armenia to run itself.”
Because of all the work he does, people often thank him, referring to his repatriation as a sacrifice, as if to say “thank you for giving up your life in the states to be here in Armenia.” Unfortunately, many repats that make an effort to benefit Armenia are often told the same thing but the reality is, every repat wants to be in Armenia. For Dr. Shant Shekherdimian, moving to Armenia was never a sacrifice, It was a decision. “I wanted my children to grow up knowing who their neighbors are and to feel safe in Armenia. This move gave us not only a better quality of life but an opportunity to grow, both personally and professionally.”
In spite of all that Shant does, the example he sets for the diaspora is to come not with all the answers, but with curiosity, purpose, and the willingness to build together.
Jack Baghumian
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