Dr. Ani Sargsyan, a pediatric radiologist from Armenia, completed a four-week observership in the Department of Radiology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, according to a May 9 statement. Sargsyan has over five years of experience in diagnostic imaging and previously attended CHOP Open Medical Institute courses on Pediatric Radiology in Salzburg, Austria.
The observership is part of an ongoing partnership between CHOP and the Open Medical Institute that began in the 1990s to support global professional growth among healthcare providers. During her visit, Sargsyan observed different imaging techniques and worked closely with CHOP physicians to enhance her clinical skills.
Sargsyan said she was motivated to apply for the program after meeting Professor Summer Kaplan during seminars organized by the Open Medical Institute. “During these one-week seminars, Austrian and American professors taught us and shared their clinical expertise. It was an amazing educational experience,” she said. She added that her main goal was to improve her knowledge of Emergency Radiology: “I wanted to observe difficult cases, learn how to make quick and accurate decisions, and see how experienced radiologists respond in stressful and urgent situations.”
Her daily schedule included morning lectures followed by case reviews with various doctors as well as additional lectures later in the day. She highlighted spending a week on night shift with Dr. Kaplan as especially valuable: “That experience gave me some of the most fundamental and practical knowledge during my observership.”
Reflecting on her time at CHOP, Sargsyan said she gained both professional knowledge related to pediatric imaging as well as new friendships: “This experience also contributed greatly to my professional growth… I had the privilege of meeting many inspiring and dedicated doctors.” She plans to use what she learned at CHOP upon returning home: “I will use the knowledge I gained at CHOP in my home institution to improve the quality of radiology reporting, clinical decision-making, and patient care.”
Sargsyan expressed gratitude for those who supported her visit including Professor Kaplan; Dr. Abass Noor; members of Global Pediatric Education team; Open Medical Institute; and Arabkir Medical Center (Yerevan), which supported this opportunity.
