[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 128 (Wednesday, September 23, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1774]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO DR. HERATCH DOUMANIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 23, 1998

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to pay tribute to 
one of Northwest Indiana's leading physicians, Dr. Heratch Doumanian, 
of Merrillville, Indiana. On Sunday, September 30, 1998, Heratch will 
be honored by the Asian American Medical Society for his selfless, 
exemplary service to society, the community, and the medical 
profession. This Sunday, for his dedicated, consistent community work, 
Heratch will be awarded the Crystal Globe Award, the Asian American 
Medical Society's highest service award.
  Each year, the Asian American Medical Society honors a prominent, 
extraordinary resident of Northwest Indiana for their outstanding 
contributions to the community. In recognition of their tremendous 
efforts for the betterment of Northwest Indiana, they are honored at a 
banquet and awarded the prestigious Crystal Globe.
  This year's recipient, Dr. Heratch Doumanian, is one of the most 
caring, dedicated, and selfless citizens of Indiana's First 
Congressional District. As a physician, Heratch serves as not only a 
respected member of the medical community, but also as a teacher, a 
mentor, and a community volunteer. He offers his services and time to 
many professional organizations including the Radiologic Society of 
North America, the American Medical Society, the Lake County Medical 
Society, the Indiana State Medical Society, the American College of 
Radiology, and the Asian American Medical Society. In addition, Heratch 
served as the President of St. Mary's Medical staff in 1995, is a 
present member of the St. Mary's Medical Quality Assurance Committee, 
and served as the President of the Asian American Medical Society in 
1988.
  Since 1966, Heratch has served as a Radiologist at both the 
Diagnostic Outpatient Center, and the St. Mary Medical Center. In 
addition, he shares his knowledge as a teacher at the Indiana 
University Northwest Medical School. Before starting his work in 1966, 
Heratch attended the American University, in Beirut, Lebanon, and in 
1957 he graduated from its Medical School. After graduation, Dr. 
Doumanian came to the United States and completed two Internships in 
Chicago, Illinois, at the St. Bernard Hospital from 1957-1958, and the 
Michael Reese Medical Center from 1959-1960. In 1960-1962, Heratch 
served our country as a Captain in the United States Army Medical 
Corps. After his military service, he completed a Residency at the 
University of Chicago Hospital, and he earned a Fellowship from the 
University of Minnesota, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. When his Fellowship 
ended in 1966, he moved to Northwest Indiana and began his successful 
medical and community work for the people of this region.
  While Heratch has dedicated considerable time and energy to his work 
as a physician, he has always made an extra effort to give to the 
community. He is currently very involved in the Armenian Assembly of 
America, and serves the organization as a Fellow Trustee. Additionally, 
he is a Parish Council Member of the St. Joachim and Anne Armenian 
Church, and is a member of the Armenian General Benevolent Union, 
Chicago Chapter. Although his work and community service often limits 
his time, Heratch has never limited the time he gives to his most 
important interest, his family. He and his wife, Sonya, have three 
children: Greta, a lawyer; John, a medical student; and Leo, also a 
medical student.
  The Hippocratic Oath discusses how a doctor or medical professional 
should conduct his life, public and private. ``. . . I will lead my 
life and practice my art in uprightness and honour; that into 
whatsoever house I shall enter, I shall be for the good of the sick to 
the utmost of my power, holding myself far aloof from wrong, from 
corruption . . .'' When Heratch moved to Northwest Indiana in 1966, he 
brought with him a dedication to uprightness and honor that has touched 
many lives. His dedication to the community and his family, in addition 
to his commitment to the unfortunate and sick are clear examples of one 
man working to the utmost of his power and ability. We in Northwest 
Indiana are lucky to be the recipients of his service.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in congratulating Dr. Heratch Doumanian for receiving the 1998 
Crystal Globe Award from the Asian American Medical Society. Truly, 
Heratch has earned this recognition. His service, dedication, and 
altruism inspire us all to greater deeds.

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