Heghine Khachatryan: An Open Letter of Gratitude to the Blood Bank Team at the Yeolyan Hematology and Oncology Center

Heghine Khachatryan, Editor-in-Chief of Hemostasis Today, Head of Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center at Yeolyan Hematology and Oncology Center, shared Yeolyan Hematology and Oncology Center’s post on LinkedIn, adding:

”An Open Letter of Gratitude to the Blood Bank Team at the Yeolyan Hematology and Oncology Center

There are few gifts in human history that neither science, technology, nor even the world’s strongest economies can create. One of them is human blood. It remains the only life-saving biological resource that cannot yet be manufactured or replaced. It exists solely because one individual chooses to share a part of themselves with another—often someone they will never meet.

The donation itself proceeded smoothly and according to the highest professional standards. Yet, as medicine continually reminds us that every individual is unique, my body unexpectedly responded with a vasovagal syncopal episode shortly after the donation.

Ironically, that unexpected moment became the greatest demonstration of the team’s excellence.

Within seconds, I was surrounded by healthcare professionals whose response reflected not only exceptional clinical competence but also genuine compassion. Immediate medical care was provided, my condition was closely monitored, and I was never left unattended until I had fully recovered. Their calmness, reassurance, and professionalism transformed what could have been a distressing experience into one that reinforced my confidence in the highest standards of patient-centered care.

Having spent many years working within the public sector and collaborating closely with healthcare and social institutions, I have come to appreciate that the true quality of a healthcare system is revealed not during routine circumstances, but in unexpected situations. Technology and infrastructure are important, but it is ultimately the competence, humanity, and commitment of healthcare professionals that define excellence.

I must admit that before arriving, I had already decided to become a regular blood donor every six months. However, judging by today’s rather “creative” physiological response, it appears that my body and the Blood Bank specialists may have reached slightly different conclusions regarding that plan.

Whether or not I am ultimately able to donate blood again in the future, one thing is certain: I will continue encouraging others to become blood donors and to support the extraordinary work being carried out by the Blood Bank of the Yeolyan Hematology and Oncology Center.

To the entire Blood Bank team—thank you for your professionalism, compassion, dignity, and unwavering commitment to every donor and every patient. Your work extends far beyond laboratory medicine and transfusion practice. Every day, you preserve hope, restore health, and save lives.

There can be no greater measure of professional excellence than that.

With my deepest respect and sincere gratitude.”

Yeolyan Hematology and Oncology Center, Ministry of Health of Armenia shared a post on LinkedIn:

”A letter of appreciation that tells the story not only of the personal experience of blood donation, but also of how highly professional work, human attitude and care shape trust in the health care system.

At the same time, it is an important message aimed at spreading the idea of voluntary and unconditional blood donation, raising awareness among people, and strengthening the culture of donation in society, emphasizing that every donor can save human lives.”

Other posts featuring Heghine Khachatryan on Hemostasis Today.