Garo S. Garibian, MD, Chief of Cardiology at Jeanes Hospital, has been selected as one of 93 national honorees to receive the 2016 Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
The award, which marks its 30th anniversary this year, is presented annually on historic Ellis Island to a select group of individuals whose accomplishments and inspired service to the nation are cause for celebration. Garibian has traveled to Armenia on a number of medical missions after the earthquake of 1988 and served on the board of two orphanage homes in Armenia.
"I accept this award with great humility and dedicate it to the true heroes who came to this country as immigrants and gave back to this country more than they received", said Garibian. "Like my father who left his ancestral homeland at the age of 12 during the Armenian Genocide of 1915, survived the death marches, maintained his dignity, came though Ellis Island, and planted his dreams in America so that his children could have a better life. It is an honor to be among so many wonderful recipients who work so hard in their fields."
Officially recognized by both House of Congress as one of the nation’s most prestigious awards, the medal honors individuals who have made it their mission to share their wealth of knowledge, indomitable courage, boundless compassion, unique talents and selfless generosity while maintaining the traditions of their ethnic heritage as they uphold the ideals and spirit of America.
