YEREVAN, Armenia — Nazeli Galstyan (MPH ’26) is pursuing her Master of Public Health at the American University of Armenia (AUA) Turpanjian College of Health Sciences (TCHS) while also serving as an ophthalmology resident at an ophthalmological center in Yerevan.
“During my clinical training, I became increasingly interested in understanding not just individual patient experiences but the broader systemic factors affecting healthcare,” she said. “That motivated me to pursue this career. I came with a desire to understand healthcare systems and gain practical skills to contribute effectively to improving healthcare in Armenia.”
A Fogarty fellow, Nazeli is currently working on her thesis project during her final semester at AUA. She is also involved in research at the Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology.
Her thesis bridges clinical practice and public health, focusing on factors associated with visual acuity in patients presenting for cataract surgery. “I chose this topic to better understand why people in Armenia tend to delay seeking healthcare,” she explained. “I hope my results will identify the main components of this issue.”
In addition to her thesis, Nazeli is involved in TCHS Associate Professor Dr. Tsovinar Harutyunyan’s research on “Satisfaction with Healthcare System and Utilization of Preventive Care in Armenia,” as part of the inaugural JACE Foundation Research Innovation Grant Program at AUA. She also recently completed an internship at the State Health Agency of the Ministry of Health of Armenia, where she analyzed data and developed policy recommendations for universal health insurance. The internship concluded with a poster presentation defended before faculty members and preceptors of the internship sites.
Nazeli credits the MPH program with shaping her approach to the field. “The Program taught me to approach healthcare problems from broader systemic and behavioral perspectives, beyond the clinical level. I learned how socioeconomic factors and the organization of healthcare systems affect when, how, and what care patients receive,” she said.
Discussing the public health landscape in Armenia, Nazeli noted that while the Ministry of Health is making progress, significant gaps remain in preventive medicine. “Public awareness about healthcare is generally low, and accessibility varies by region. While there are many challenges, we must prioritize pressing issues and tackle them systematically.”
Looking ahead, Nazeli aspires to influence policy-making and decision-making processes. Her career goals include a blend of clinical work and research to identify core challenges and implement sustainable solutions. For her, balancing residency, research, and a master’s program requires strict prioritization and deep motivation. She encourages prospective students to enter the Program with an open mind.
“This is the best program in Armenia in this field,” she said. “Students should approach it with curiosity and focus. Public health requires understanding diverse perspectives and systemic factors. It’s okay if you cannot manage everything perfectly — commitment and curiosity will lead to success.”
Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.