ARMENIAN-AMERICAN HEADS DOCTORS KAMAJIAN TAKES SPECIAL CARE OF HOMELESS, POOR.

Byline: Alex Dobuzinskis Staff Writer

GLENDALE - Dr. Steven Kamajian brings a long history of volunteerism to his new job as chief of staff at Glendale Adventist Medical Center, the first Armenian-American to hold the position.

For years, Kamajian has run three health clinics at churches in Glendale, Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks, where the homeless and the uninsured come for free medical care. Doctors, nurses, dentists, chiropractors, students and other volunteers pitch in.

The biggest clinic, at a Thousand Oaks Methodist church, has 17 doctors volunteering. The Glendale clinic has several doctors, including specialists who see indigent patients in their offices.

``As people have become progressively less insured, it became apparent to me that I should try to do something to help the less fortunate people in society,'' Kamajian said.

Kamajian, 53, is also an osteopath rather than a medical doctor, the first time a physician from that branch of medicine has held the top spot. Osteopathic medicine originated 130 years ago and is based on physical therapy and the inter-relationship of the body's nerves, muscles, bones and organs.

``I have a different interpretation of things that I think is wonderful,'' he said. ``And adding that to my unique American background and my unique ethnic background, I think that I have been truly blessed by this opportunity.''

At least 70,000 of Glendale's more than 200,000 residents are Armenian, according to an estimate from the western region of the Armenian National Committee of America.

Glendale City Councilman Bob Yousefian said having an Armenian-American as chief of staff at Glendale Adventist is meaningful.

``It's important for the younger generation to see that there are no glass ceilings in this country and you are elevated to positions based on your merits,'' he said.

Kamajian is a native of Waco, Texas, who grew up in Philadelphia and now lives in Glendale. He has worked at Glendale Adventist since 1981, and was elected four years ago by the hospital's 700 physicians to serve as chief of staff.

After the election, he went through the standard rotation of secretary- treasurer to vice chief of staff, and on Jan. 1, started his first year as the head of the hospital's physicians.

``He's a very caring physician,'' said Scott Reiner, the hospital's CEO. ``He's creative and he thinks of new ways to do things to take care of his patients. He's very into supporting the homeless and patients who don't have financial resources.''

Alex Dobuzinskis, [phone]

alex.dobuzinskis(at)dailynews.com

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Dr. Steven Kamajian, the first Armenian-American chief of staff at Glendale Adventist Medical Center, talks with patient Robert Anderson.

Tina Burch/Staff Photographer