#United States #Pasadena #Huntington Health #Gabriel Akopian #Boswell Chair

Huntington Health Introduces the Boswell Chair of Surgery

Huntington Health has made significant strides in the medical field with the announcement of the establishment of the Boswell Chair in the Department of Surgery. This initiative signifies a major development in the organization’s ongoing commitment to enhancing surgical expertise within the San Gabriel Valley, and it has been made possible through the generous contributions of the James G. Boswell Foundation. The foundation expressed its pride in supporting Huntington Health as it seeks to elevate surgical excellence in the region.

Following a careful selection process, Huntington Health proudly appointed Dr. Gabriel Akopian, MD, MBA, as the inaugural holder of the Boswell Chair of Surgery. Dr. Akopian is renowned within the community for his surgical prowess and educational contributions, having been a vital part of Huntington's medical environment for years. John M. Corman, MD, the president and chief clinical officer of Huntington Health, remarked on the importance of this chair, stating that endowed positions like this are not common in community hospitals. He extended gratitude to the Boswell Foundation for its vital role in this achievement and welcomed Dr. Akopian into this prominent role, which will enhance surgical excellence and improve access to high-quality healthcare for local residents.

In his new position, Dr. Akopian will spearhead clinical, research, and educational initiatives for surgical residents and staff. He aims to foster collaborative efforts education and mentorship across various medical fields. With a background as a graduate of Huntington Hospital's Graduate Medical Education (GME) program, supported by the Boswell Foundation, Dr. Akopian also serves as the program director for the Hospital’s Surgery Residency Program. This makes him exceptionally qualified to guide the future generation of surgeons effectively.

Wafaa Alrashid, MD, chief of medical staff at Huntington Hospital, highlighted that endowed chairs are crucial for advancing clinical excellence and attracting esteemed physician leaders. Her comments reflected the confidence in Dr. Akopian’s capabilities, which mirror the strength and commitment of Huntington Health's surgical program in shaping medical futures in the San Gabriel Valley.

Dr. Akopian is a board-certified general surgeon with specialization in both general and colorectal surgery, bringing extensive expertise in minimally invasive treatments for various conditions, including colon cancer, hernias, gallbladder disease, and more. His medical education includes a degree earned at Boston University, a residency completed at Huntington Hospital, and a fellowship in Minimally Invasive Surgery at USC. His leadership capacities in the Huntington Hospital's administration are impressive; previously, he has held roles such as Physician Advisor in Utilization Management and Chair of the Department of Surgery. Additionally, he participated on the Board of Directors for the Southern California Chapter of the American College of Surgeons from 2017 to 2022.

In response to his new appointment, Dr. Akopian expressed his profound gratitude for the faith that has been placed in him. He feels honored to become the first Boswell Chair of Surgery and extends his thanks to both the Boswell Foundation and Huntington Health for their shared commitment to promoting surgical innovation and patient care. He looks forward to collaborating with fellow medical professionals to continue delivering outstanding healthcare services to the local community.

Huntington Health’s establishment of the Boswell Chair of Surgery demonstrates a progressive step toward deeper commitments to medical excellence and innovative surgical practices that promise to benefit the health of the San Gabriel Valley for years to come.