Julieta Serobyan
2025 Huys Commitment Letter
Equitable access to healthcare is an urgent need in Armenia, where disparities in preventative care severely impact rural populations. One of the most pressing challenges is the low rate of colorectal cancer screening, where fewer than 20% of eligible adults are screened, leading to delayed diagnoses and higher mortality. Addressing this gap has become central to my commitment to Armenia’s public health.
As a medical student at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and a member of the Global Health Equity Pathway, I am developing the tools needed to address these issues through research and policy. I am also a founding member of the Armenian Medical Students’ Association at DGSOM, where I help cultivate leadership and collaboration within the Armenian medical student community.
I am honored to reapply for the Huys Scholarship, which I received last year. Since my initial application, I have made meaningful progress on the goals I once outlined. What was once a vision is now an active, grant-supported project. Under the mentorship of Dr. Shant Shekherdimian, and in collaboration with Dr. Taron Torosian and the Ministry of Health of Armenia, I have officially launched an independent research study assessing Armenia’s readiness to scale up colorectal cancer screening. We are currently administering surveys in rural regions to assess perceptions and barriers to colon cancer screening, examining variables such as cultural stigma, lack of public knowledge, and logistical obstacles.
During my third-year Discovery Year, I will conduct field research in Armenia to evaluate the screening infrastructure firsthand, including equipment, staffing, and accessibility in rural clinics. This work is especially timely with the upcoming implementation of universal health insurance in Armenia, which provides a historic opportunity to integrate preventative services like colonoscopies into the national system.
Beyond this project, I continue to remain deeply engaged with the Armenian medical and academic community. I am conducting research with the Armenian American Medical Society (AAMS) and have presented at conferences on Armenian health equity. These efforts allow me to strengthen diaspora networks and contribute to a growing body of Armenian-focused research initiatives.
With renewed support from the Huys Scholarship, I will expand this work and deliver actionable insights to Armenia’s health leaders. My long-term goal is to help design equitable, evidence-based healthcare systems in Armenia. As the first international Armenian student at DGSOM, this mission is both personal and professional, and I am deeply committed to translating my training into lasting impact for our nation.
I am aware that Huys Foundation is granting the scholarship to me with the anticipation of my good faith pursuit and implementation of the projects and undertakings described in this letter, to which I hereby commit.
2024 Huys Commitment Letter
Healthcare is a cornerstone of human dignity, yet equitable access to it remains an aspiration rather than a reality. This disparity fuels my passion as I embark on my journey as the first international Armenian student at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, a leading institution renowned for its commitment to global health and innovative research. Since moving to the US with my family, I have personally experienced the challenges that underserved communities face. These experiences have instilled in me a profound commitment to advancing healthcare for those who need it most, particularly in my home country of Armenia.
My volunteer work on medical mission trips across Armenia, including with Med Aid Armenia, has given me firsthand insight into the vast need for improved preventative medicine and access to healthcare. Shadowing doctors and interning at hospitals, I have witnessed the lack of essential imaging equipment in rural areas, which is crucial for diagnosing and treating patients. These experiences have reinforced my dedication to serving underserved populations and highlighted the urgent need for better healthcare infrastructure in Armenia.
At the David Geffen School of Medicine, I plan to pursue a concentration in global health. UCLA’s world-class education and extensive networks, such as the Global Health Equity Pathway or the Promise Institute, will equip me with the knowledge and skills necessary to address these pressing health issues. The program will provide me with invaluable learning opportunities, from cutting-edge research to hands-on clinical experiences. Through UCLA’s robust network of professionals and researchers, I aim to develop strategies to improve healthcare for Armenian patient populations both in the U.S. and Armenia.
The Huys Scholarship presents a unique opportunity to further my aspirations of improving healthcare in Armenia. With this support, as an incoming medical student, I aim to conduct a comprehensive research study to measure Armenia’s preparedness for colonoscopies and the diagnosis of colon cancer in adults. According to the World Health Organization, Armenia has one of the lowest rates of colon cancer screening in the region, with less than 20% of the eligible population undergoing regular screenings. This lack of screening contributes to late-stage diagnoses, where treatment is less effective, and mortality rates are significantly higher. Under the mentorship of Dr. Shant Shekherdimian, a renowned expert in global health and surgery, this project will assess current capabilities, identify gaps, and propose actionable solutions to enhance early detection and treatment of colon cancer.
This research is not just an academic exercise; it is a critical step towards addressing a significant health challenge in Armenia. By improving the infrastructure and protocols for colonoscopies, we can significantly impact cancer outcomes and overall public health. This project aligns with my long-term goal of contributing to a stronger, more equitable healthcare system in Armenia. The road ahead is undoubtedly challenging, but I am driven by a vision of a world where good health is accessible to all. With the support of the Huys Scholarship, I am confident in my ability to make meaningful contributions to the field of medicine and to the health of underserved communities, both in the United States and Armenia. Together, we can turn aspirations into action, creating a future where healthcare equity is not just a goal, but a reality.
I am aware that Huys Foundation is granting the Huys Scholarship to me with the anticipation of my good faith pursuit and implementation of the projects and undertakings described in this letter, to which I hereby commit.