Profile: Katarina Topchyan, MD
Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism
FELLOW PROFILE: Katarina Topchyan, MD
Katarina with her daughter Mariam, in Moscow.
I was born in Moscow to a family of Armenian immigrants. I came to the U.S. at about the same age my parents were when they moved from Armenia to Russia — I guess I inherited the “moving” gene! I crossed the ocean to join my fiancé and start a new life with him in Atlanta, Georgia. Though I didn’t have a job or a command of English, I devoted all my spare time to learning a new language and reading medical literature and research in my field of interest; I was determined to take the necessary exams to become a licensed physician in the U.S. After finishing my residency in Connecticut, I came to Virginia for a fellowship in Endocrinology.
Why medicine?
Three exceptional women have deeply influenced my life. My grandmother — one of the best teachers in Armenia — taught me to be disciplined, responsible and a perfectionist. My mother showed me the importance of staying positive and balanced, of being compassionate and kind. And my aunt is a successful pediatrician who instilled in me her love of children and her passion for keeping them healthy. The collective impact of this trio of strong women shaped my choice to become a doctor, as well as my values and aspirations.
Why endocrinology?
It’s a very interesting, highly demanding specialty — and one that brings hope to millions. My passion is to make a contribution to this area of healthcare that is so vital for human development.
Why UVA? What opportunities do you have here?
From the moment I arrived for my interview, I felt I wanted to be here with all my heart. The people I met were the main reason; I felt so welcomed. I am surrounded by stars in the endocrinology constellation who are also great mentors, and provide constant support for my professional growth.
I feel proud to be a part of the UVA family. The Diabetes Assistant (DiAs) — the portable artificial pancreas system — was created here, at the UVA Center for Diabetes Technology. The worldwide clinical trials of this state-of-the-art technology are ongoing at UVA, Padova (Italy), Montpellier (France), UC Santa Barbara, Stanford and the Mayo Clinic. I got involved in one of these trials and now am learning first-hand from the very best in my field.
What are you usually doing in your spare time?
Playing piano is very relaxing for me. I have been fortunate to make many great friends here in Virginia, and though we are all busy people, we always find time to get together.
How did you meet your spouse?
I met Avetik when I was a seven-month-old and he was a seven-year-old! Our families knew each other; it was a match made in heaven, but it took us years to realize that. He came to the U.S. in the 1990s, and we married seven years later, after I graduated from medical school in Moscow.
Favorite travel destination?
Armenia. My homeland and my new home in Virginia have a lot of things in common: mountains, valleys, sunshine, wine, and friendly, hard-working people.
Words to live by?
Armenians have a great saying: “Do good and throw it in the sea.” In other words, be altruistic, do something good just because — not expecting anything in return.