I was born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon, to Armenian parents and completed my medical education at the American University of Beirut before moving to Canada for postgraduate training. I came to Dalhousie University for residency in internal medicine and gastroenterology, followed by additional fellowship training in hepatology and liver transplantation in Toronto. I returned to Halifax in 1995 and spent the next three decades building my career in hepatology and liver transplantation.
When I arrived, I was the only full-time hepatologist east of Quebec and much of my work focused on developing clinical services, promoting education, and improving access to care for patients with liver disease across Atlantic Canada. Over the years, I served as Division Head of Digestive Care and Endoscopy and as Medical Director of the Atlantic Canada Liver Transplant Program. I also had the privilege of contributing nationally through leadership roles with the Canadian Liver Foundation and the Canadian Association for the Study of the Liver.
My academic work included teaching, research, and mentorship, with over 100 peer-reviewed publications. I was honoured to receive the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of my contributions to liver health and education.
Since retiring from clinical practice, I have remained interested in health policy, system planning, and mentoring and I am pleased to be involved with the Association of Dalhousie Retirees and Pensioners as a Director-at-Large.
In retirement, I enjoy photography, travel, cycling, and working in my backyard garden in Nova Scotia. I value the opportunity to stay connected with colleagues while exploring new interests and contributing in different ways.