Armenian Doctor Becomes First Armenian Citizen Elected to Global Telemedicine Board, Will Help Shape Digital Health Policy

An Armenian physician has been elected to the governing board of one of the world’s leading digital health organizations — the first time an Armenian citizen has reached the organization’s top leadership.

Dr. Robin Vicken Ohannessian was elected to the Board of the International Society for Telemedicine & eHealth (ISfTeH), a global federation that brings together digital health professionals, institutions, and organizations from about 100 countries. The appointment places an Armenian representative among the international experts helping shape the future of telemedicine and digital healthcare.

The ISfTeH promotes the use of digital technologies to expand access to healthcare and improve medical services worldwide. The organization has maintained official relations with the World Health Organization since 2008 and also works with the International Telecommunication Union, the European Commission, UNESCO, and other United Nations bodies on advancing digital health initiatives.

Born in Lyon, France, to an Armenian family from the community of Décines, Dr. Ohannessian traces his roots to the historic Armenian regions of Van, Dikranakert, Kharpert, and Smyrna.

He earned his medical degree in public health and a Master of Public Health from the University of Lyon before completing a doctorate in neuroscience at the University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté. His research focused on using telemedicine to improve stroke care.

After relocating to Armenia in 2022, Dr. Ohannessian became an Armenian citizen and has played an active role in the country’s healthcare transformation. He founded Vickino, a health innovation and advisory company headquartered in Armenia that supports digital transformation and the integration of artificial intelligence into healthcare systems. Since 2023, he has also served as president of the Armenian Association of Digital Health.

Dr. Ohannessian currently advises Armenia’s Ministry of Health on digital health transformation. He is also an invited professor at Yerevan State Medical University and lectures in the Master of Digital Health program at the Russian-Armenian University.

Outside medicine, he founded the civic movement Azg Araj and pursues music under the stage name Vicken, blending electronic and techno music with traditional Armenian influences. His debut album, TEBI AZG, was released in 2026.

His election to the ISfTeH board is a milestone for Armenia’s growing presence in the global digital health community, giving the country a voice in an organization that helps guide international policy and collaboration on the future of healthcare.

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