Dr. Mimi Vanoyan graduated from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in 1991 and completed her residency in Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at Mount Sinai Hospital in 1995. Currently she is a partner at Atlanta Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates affiliated with Pedmont Atlanta Hospital.
Being accepted as a medical student at ISMMS changed the course of her life. The advantages of a world renowned institution in the backdrop of NYC provided unparalleled access to the brightest scientific minds. As a scientist she uses her education every day as a commitment to medicine requires a commitment to a lifetime of learning.
On a personal note, Dr. Vanoyan met her husband who was her medical school classmate at Mount Sinai. Jon Wagreich, MD also graduated in 1991 and completed his residency in Radiology at Mount Sinai Hospital. They still keep in regular contact with our Mt Sinai classmates and count them as part of their inner circle. They have been lucky enough to share major life events and made every effort pre-Covid to see each other on a regular basis.
Dr. Vaonyan's advice to current students is to "take advantage of every academic opportunity. Maximize your education. Find your passion. Medicine affords many paths to personal and professional fulfillment. Realize that your classmates will become your friends and colleagues for life. Working in women’s health has its own challenges and rewards. It is a gift and privilege to know and guide your patient’s through the many phases of their lives."
On the issue of COVID-19 and its effects, she said, "COVID-19 has posed unique challenges in women’s health. Obstetric patients have been particularly vulnerable to illness and our staff has worked tirelessly to create a safe and clean environment to maintain patient’s safety and comfort. Being science forward with our processes gives patient’s the reassurance that they can safely seek medical care preventing any delay in diagnosis."
Jon and Mimi have enthusiastically supported Mt Sinai with participation in the White Coat program for medical students as we remember those early days with such fondness. Assisting all students helps to ensure a medical future that continues to move the science forward.
Witnessing the toll Covid-19 took on both the community and the staff at Elmhurst Hospital in the spring of 2020 was particularly painful. Jon and Mimi spent much of their medical training at Elmhurst and consider ourselves lucky. Mount Sinai and Elmhurst helped them become the physicians they are today. They are eternally grateful for those experiences, the education and friendships.