A year ago, Valley Children’s forged a partnership with Wigmore Women’s & Children’s Hospital to elevate pediatric healthcare in Armenia. The collaboration aims to set new standards of quality and care, driven by a shared vision of improving children’s lives.

The partnership is deeply personal for Valley Children’s, rooted in the hospital’s connection to the Central Valley’s vibrant Armenian community.

“Our collaboration with Wigmore is important in so many ways – elevating the standard of care for children in Armenia, providing a rewarding teaching and mentoring experience for our physicians and giving back to the Armenian community that has been such a support to Valley Children’s.”

Dr. Karen Dahl, Valley Children’s Vice President of Medical Affairs, Physician Wellness and Development

“For me as a physician, this was a very significant experience to learn from the best pediatric hospital in the United States and to take the knowledge, best practices and expertise back to Armenia to improve pediatric healthcare,” said Dr. Ani Margaryan, Pediatric Department Head, Wigmore Women’s & Children’s Hospital.

Sharing Knowledge, Changing Lives

As part of the effort, a team of Valley Children’s specialists traveled to Armenia this past summer and worked alongside their Wigmore counterparts. The trip included a robust exchange of ideas, system observations and collaborative care. Pediatric specialists in neurology, neurosurgery, infectious diseases and emergency medicine shared expertise while fostering meaningful connections with Wigmore’s team.

One of the highlights of the visit was a neuroscience conference where Valley Children’s team members presented the latest techniques and innovations in pediatric neurologic care to a captivated audience of Armenian pediatricians, neonatologists and neurologists. Such knowledge-sharing underscores the partnership’s long-term goal: to create a ripple effect of improvement across Armenia’s healthcare system.

“These training sessions have been highly effective, both from an administrative perspective and for the treating physicians. This is my first visit to Valley Children’s, and I can confidently say that there is a wealth of experience and knowledge here that we must tap into.”

Dr. Aharon Barseghyan, Deputy Director of Operations, Wigmore Women’s & Children’s Hospital in Armenia

A Partnership of Heart and Heritage

Valley Children’s partnership with Wigmore Hospital reflects deep connections to the Armenian heritage of many of our patient families, and staff, honoring a cultural bond while extending a helping hand to a global neighbor. Since the signing ceremony in November 2023, Wigmore physicians have traveled to Madera, California, to learn from Valley Children’s experts.

Now, with Valley Children’s specialists returning the visit, the partnership is creating a vibrant, ongoing exchange of knowledge and compassion.

“It’s important to support not only our communities, but those abroad. We have a very strong Armenian population here, and to make those ties internationally is important.”

Dr. Julieanna Sahouria, Valley Children’s Pediatric Emergency Medicine Physician

As the collaboration continues, Valley Children’s and Wigmore remain united in their dedication to making a lasting impact. With every shared lesson, every life touched and every connection made, they’re proving that the boundaries of care have no limits.