Salpy Akaragian, co-founder of the Armenian International Medical Fund (AIM Fund) and director of UCLA’s international nursing programs and nurse credentialing, was awarded the 2013 Giving Excellence Meaning (GEM) Award by Nurses.com. The organization recognizes exceptional nurses and selects five from a pool who “represent the best of the best in the profession”.

Of the award, Akaragian said, “It’s wonderful to be recognized for all the time and effort one has spent volunteering.”

Akaragian, co-founder of the Armenian International Medical Fund (AIM Fund) and director of UCLA’s international nursing programs and nurse credentialing, was awarded the 2013 Giving Excellence Meaning (GEM) Award by Nurses.com. The organization recognizes exceptional nurses and selects five from a pool who “represent the best of the best in the profession”.

Akaragian was given the award in the category of service and volunteerism for her work in Armenia and other countries to help build and reform health care systems. She began her work in other countries with a nurse’s exchange program in Japan, and shortly thereafter spent time in Armenia following the 1990 earthquake. Her time in the country spent aiding recovery led to a greater involvement in efforts to reform the Armenian health care system.

Akaragian said of her time working with health care professionals and nurses in other countries, “I’ve learned, from all these experiences, that number one, to help people, it has to be about their needs. When other countries are asking nurses for help, to do a [healthcare] project, I learned quickly to make sure to address their needs and not what I think they should focus on or improve.”

Another feature on Akaragian’s work can be found here.