Gala to Honor Harry Balian, MD, FACC, FSCAI, Arsine Kalfayan Geuvdjelian, PharmD, and Ramella Markarian, MS, MHA, Ed.D.
LOS ANGELES—The Armenian American Medical Society’s 40th Anniversary Gala will celebrate three medical professionals from the greater Los Angeles area. Harry Balian, MD, FACC, FSCAI, Arsine Kalfayan, PharmD, and Ramella Markarian, MS, MHA, Ed.D., will be recognized as recipients of the 2025 AAMS Presidents’ Leadership Award in honor of their distinguished careers, exceptional leadership, and significant contributions to healthcare.
This year’s theme, “Legacy,” honors the profound impact of AAMS in advancing healthcare and medical education over the past four decades.
The evening will begin with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and live entertainment at 7 p.m. Guests will enjoy a night of celebration while supporting AAMS’ ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare in Armenia and expand its scholarship program, empowering the next generation of medical professionals.
Dr. Harry Balian is a distinguished interventional cardiologist and Associate Clinical Professor at Western University School of Medicine. Since 2015, he has served as Chairman of the Department of Cardiology and Director of the Structural Heart Program at Glendale Adventist, where he launched the TAVR program in 2016. A dedicated member of the AAMS since 2005, Dr. Balian has served seven terms on the AAMS Board, making significant contributions through leadership, education, and service.
Dr, Balian has delivered over 30 expert lectures on heart health, wellness, and preventive cardiology, enhancing AAMS’s educational initiatives. Beyond academia, he has played a pivotal role in fundraising and community outreach. His countless appearances on the “Your Health” TV program and critical virtual training sessions during the COVID-19 pandemic further demonstrate his dedication to advancing medical education and community wellness, leaving a lasting impact.
Dr. Arsine Kalfayan Geuvdjelian is a distinguished healthcare professional with over 25 years of dedicated service as the Quality Assurance Coordinator of the Continuing Medical Education Committee for the AAMS. Originally from Lebanon, she moved to the U.S. in 1969, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychobiology from UCLA and a Doctor of Pharmacy from USC. With a career spanning over two decades in hospital pharmacy, she served as Director of Pharmacy at various hospitals and Fortune 100 companies, making significant contributions to patient care and healthcare leadership.
Since joining AAMS in 2002, Dr. Kalfayan Geuvdjelian has played a pivotal role in securing and maintaining the organization’s accreditation provider status, ensuring compliance, and expanding membership to include pharmacists and other healthcare professionals. Her unwavering dedication has enriched continuing medical education, while her leadership, expertise, and commitment to AAMS continue to strengthen the organization and elevate the educational experiences of its members.
Dr. Ramella Markarian is a distinguished healthcare executive with extensive experience in hospital administration, physician recruitment, and community health. Since 2012, she has served as Vice President of Business Development and Physician Recruitment at Adventist Health Glendale, leading strategic growth and recruiting over 200 physicians. For over 20 years, her steadfast commitment has been instrumental in advancing AAMS’ mission, serving as Chair of the AAMS Ladies Auxiliary, contributing to multiple committees, and supporting fundraising and educational programs.
Dr. Markarian’s leadership has strengthened collaboration between Adventist Health Glendale and AAMS, fostering impactful healthcare initiatives. A dedicated civic leader, she co-founded the Glendale Health Festival in 2010 and has played a key role in Adventist Health’s Mission Armenia since 2015, organizing medical missions to underserved rural areas. Her contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including awards from Senator Carol Liu, Congressman Adam Schiff, and the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry. Dr. Markarian holds a Doctorate in Leadership with a focus on Public Health from USC and remains a driving force in advancing healthcare education and community wellness.
The evening’s musical entertainment will feature Christine Pepelyan, a renowned singer and broadcaster known for her dynamic performances. With her incredible energy, she will bring the party to life and get everyone on their feet. Christine was a judge on “The Voice of Armenia” in 2013.
Tickets for the 40th Annual AAMS Gala Celebration are now available! For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit the website or call (818) 980-7777.
