Barev dzez, I am Barbara Maraneli, a 4th-year student at TMA.

I spent two weeks in Yerevan as part of a summer exchange program, where I interned at the Mikaelyan Institute of Surgery in the traumatology department. Before this, I had some experience with traumatology in Georgia, so it was fascinating to observe the different approaches and compare them with what I had previously encountered. The surgeons were very welcoming, and I felt their genuine interest in teaching me and sharing their expertise.

On the first day of the internship, I met Mr. Ara Ghazariani, the head of the department, who introduced us to Dr. Atoma Argamovich, a highly skilled and attentive surgeon. Dr. Argamovich is a role model in terms of professionalism and expertise. During operations, he provided detailed explanations and actively involved us in the process.

Students from other countries also participated in the internship with me, and I found common interests with them. We shared knowledge and insights, learning about each other’s countries—while I learned a lot about theirs, they gained knowledge about Georgia. Besides studying, one of the main goals of the exchange program was to explore different cultures and make new friends. Forming connections with people from diverse backgrounds is the best and at the same time exciting moment, because you have to leave, but we know that we will remember each other and will have the opportunity to meet again.

At the clinic, we also had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Karlen Oganian, who has been studying plastic surgery and microsurgery for the past four years. He spent two weeks with us, always ready to help with any issues we encountered. Mr. Oganian provided us with advance information about the operations scheduled for the day, introduced us to the clinic’s protocols, showed us around, and answered all our questions. He cared about improving our knowledge, had daily contact with us, and never refused us if we wanted to engage in any medical manipulation.

Thanks to the kindness and supportive attitude of the surgeons, my fears about whether something was impossible or whether I would succeed disappeared. This exchange program was an invaluable experience, providing me with extensive knowledge, new friendships, and unforgettable moments at the clinic.

We always explored the city at the end of each day spent at the clinic. Yerevan is a historic city where

every corner, place, and object has its own story. The stunning Mount Ararat can be seen from any point in the city. The people are incredibly hospitable and friendly, making you feel warmly welcomed. For me, it was important to feel at home.

The day before we left, we decided to visit the Tsitsernakaberd Museum near the monument dedicated to the Armenian Genocide. This day was emotionally charged for me. I observed two parallel worlds: one consisting of future doctors studying to save lives, and the other who do not care about it. I was unaware that this country had endured such a tragedy. It is right that they discuss it openly rather than conceal it. Additionally, in the museum courtyard, we saw a Christmas tree given by Georgia to Armenia as a symbol of recognizing the genocide.

It was a meaningful experience for me. I plan to participate in other exchange programs and explore the medicine and history of many different countries.