Ministry of Defense Clarifies Controversial Assignment of Medical Officer

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense of Armenia has provided clarification regarding a publication titled "Why did the Ministry of Defense fund my education if I won’t be using my professional skills? Open Letter" that appeared in one of the media outlets.

“Captain Sos Vahagn Petrosyan (born October 19, 1988, from the Gegharkunik Regional Military Commissariat) is a graduate of the Military Medicine Faculty at Yerevan State Medical University named after M. Heratsi (his primary base specialization is 'medical practice in the armed forces'). In 2015, Captain Petrosyan was sent to the Shanghai Second Military Medical University of the Ministry of Defense of China to participate in a master’s program designed for foreign military doctors. He did not receive any different qualification as a type of doctor under the master’s program.

During his studies, he completed courses in interventional cardiology. However, this is not a new specialization but merely a course where he gained certain practical skills. Guided by Article 35, Part 6, Point 6 of the Law of the Republic of Armenia on ‘Military Service and Status of Military Personnel’ (a serviceman who has graduated from military educational institutions, relevant officer or sergeant courses, residency, or clinical residency shall be assigned to a military position corresponding to his military registration or higher education, and if this is not possible, to a position not lower than the one previously held), and based on the fact that there are no positions available for doctors-officers in the military medical service of the RA Armed Forces with such practical skills, Captain Petrosyan has been appointed to the position of head of the reception of a separate medical platoon.

This recent appointment corresponds to Captain Petrosyan's primary specialty and provides important experience for further career growth as a military doctor. He has not yet completed his clinical residency; thus, he cannot yet be considered a specialized doctor. We do not understand the motives behind Captain Petrosyan's statements, as a military doctor should serve soldiers in any location in accordance with his oath,” stated Artur Hunanyan in his post.