Mariam Harutyunyan, Filmmaker and Theatre Director, congratulates Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan, sharing a heartfelt reflection on his influence, mentorship, upon his recent nomination as WHO Director-General candidate.
Mariam Harutyunyan shared her words on LinkedIn:
“For the past few days, I’ve been reading these news and wondering how to put into words what Professor Tamamyan means to so many of us.
Professor Tamamyan is one of the most influential figures in Armenian healthcare. I’ve had the privilege and luck of working with him and learning from him, and I can truly say that he is a mentor to so many people- from students just beginning their journey to some of the best professionals in the field.
‘Inspiring’ feels like far too small a word to describe him.
‘After every ‘no,’ there is a ‘yes.’ ‘
He never made you believe in ‘you can’t’ or ‘it won’t happen.’
Instead, he taught you to look for a way forward.
Everything Professor Tamamyan touches seems to bloom: people, ideas, careers, and opportunities.
Some mentors teach you what to do, the truly special ones change the way you see what is possible.”
About Mariam Harutyunyan
Mariam Harutyunyan is an Armenian filmmaker and theatre director whose artistic foundation was shaped in Prague, Czechia, where she completed specialized training in film directing at the internationally recognized Prague Film School. During her time in Prague, she became part of the Central European independent filmmaking scene, working as a screenwriter, director, and producer on international productions.
She has served as Event Manager under Dr Tamamyan’s leadership.
About Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan
Dr Gevorg Tamamyan, MD, MSc, PhD, DSc, FASCO, is a prospective candidate for the post of Director-General of the World Health Organization, nominated by the Republic of Botswana. He is a global leader in oncology, health systems strengthening, and international health cooperation, recognized for building bridges between countries and advancing equitable cancer care in resource-limited settings.
Dr. Tamamyan is Professor and Chairman of the Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology at Yerevan State Medical University and CEO of the Immune Oncology Research Institute (IMMONC).
He is the Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of OncoDaily, one of the world’s largest oncology media platforms, created to democratize access to reliable, independent, and evidence-based cancer information globally.
Dr. Tamamyan was elected and currently serves as President of two major international pediatric oncology organizations: the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) Asia Continental Branch, representing pediatric oncology professionals across Asia, and the Pediatric Oncology East and Mediterranean (POEM) Group, uniting 28 countries and 110 cancer centers. He also serves as Co-Chair of the St. Jude EURO Regional Advisory Committee, encompassing 13 European countries.
At the age of 32, Dr. Tamamyan was appointed Head of the Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Armenia, where he led the consolidation of previously fragmented pediatric oncology and hematology services into a single national center. Under his leadership, the Center evolved into a regional reference point, with survival rates reaching up to 80%.
He also co-founded City of Smile, a national pediatric cancer charity that helps ensure universal coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of every child and young adult with cancer in Armenia.
Dr. Tamamyan is Chairman of the Board of the Institute of Cancer and Crisis and an adviser to the Rector of Yerevan State Medical University. He previously served as President of the Harvard Club of Armenia.
Educated and trained across seven countries in Europe, North America, and Asia, his professional journey spans frontline clinical practice, research, academic leadership, national cancer center management, global health diplomacy, and institution building.
He is the recipient of numerous international awards and distinctions, including Fellow of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (FASCO); ASCO LIFe and IDEA Awards; UICC and IARC Young Leader Awards; the 40 Under 40 in Cancer Award; the Latin American and Caribbean Society of Medical Oncology (SLACOM) Award for Global Oncology Leadership; and the Global Health Catalyst Distinguished Leader Award.
He is married and has two daughters, Charlize and Letizia.
Dr Gevorg Tamamyan is Nominated as a Candidate for WHO Director-General Position
Watch HRH Princess Dina Mired’s interview with Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan: The Man Who Challenged Cancer Hierarchies