John Griffin, M.D.
Irishman Journeys to Armenia
Why would an Irishman journey to Armenia? Dr. John Griffin, one of the kindest and most compassionate individuals you will ever meet, makes the world a better place with his generosity of soul. It was Griffin’s long-time friendship with AECP founder Roger Ohanesian that first inspired him to go to Armenia. It was the Armenian people that brought him back just six months later. He was so impressed by the Armenian people on his first surgical mission in October 2003 that he returned the following May for a second “tour of duty” with his daughter Mary. And he is already planning his third mission for May, 2005.
The two missions that Griffin participated in were each historic for the EyeCare Project. In October 2003, the Mobile Eye Hospital (MEH) made its first trip outside of Yerevan. Griffin himself performed a number of cataract surgeries on the MEH, describing it as a “unique experience.” The May 2004 mission coincided with the arrival of the Mobile Eye Hospital in the Nagorno-Karabagh region for the first time. During their stay in the region, the group had the opportunity to meet the President of Karabagh and the Minister of Health, who strongly support the AECP’s work throughout Armenia. Griffin explains, the President “was interested in meeting Roger—to see if there’s anything he could do to help.”
Griffin was impressed by the support of the Armenian people and their interest in the MEH. “Large crowds were there to cheer us—the Armenian people are very appreciative of the Project’s work and showed their appreciation with warm hospitality,” he said. John was delighted that his daughter Mary, an international relations student, was able to accompany him on the mission so she could see the country and meet so many wonderful people. “It was a terrific experience for both of us—we worked hard all day and at night we went out and participated in the local culture, which included a lot of dancing and a lot of toasting!”
Griffin, born and raised in Dublin is one of six children. His father, John, worked for Ireland’s Department of Justice. His mother, Kathleen, was a homemaker. Mentored by an English uncle, a general surgeon, Griffin knew at a very early age that he wanted to be a doctor.
Following medical studies in Dublin, Griffin moved to the United States to do a surgical residency at Boston University—“I loved surgery and began as a general surgery resident. But after two years I developed a passion for ophthalmology and changed specialties,” said Griffin, who did an ophthalmology residency at the University of Rochester. He also did a Fellowship at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and spent two years in Boston doing clinical and research activities in Neuro-Ophthalmology.
Griffin and his wife, Ellen, live in Syracuse, New York. Together they have raised three children—Jane, 27; John, 25; and Mary, 19—and John says “the best thing about being a father is watching your kids grow and evolve.” As they were growing up it was difficult to be a father and a doctor and have enough time for his children, but it has always been important to him to take time off to be with them.
In his private medical practice, Griffin sees 60-70 patients each day and performs 20-25 cataracts surgeries each week. He says he enjoys the “delicacy of the surgery” and the “ability to restore vision.” One of his most memorable patients in his private practice is a young woman who was blind in both eyes with severe cataracts—and no insurance. He donated his time and services to her and was able to restore her vision and give her 20/20 sight. In addition to being a private practitioner, Griffin is a clinical professor at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. He has been teaching medical residents for the last 25 years because he enjoys the “feedback from the students.”
During his two missions Griffin was able to see AECP programs in action and witness the “very, very positive” reaction from patients and local residents to the AECP and the Mobile Eye Hospital. Talking about Roger Ohanesian he says, “Roger packs a big punch—his energy and drive and dedication are impressive.” Griffin looks forward to another “vivid experience” when he and his daughter Mary return to Armenia in May 2005.
