Teaneck Physician A 2019 Ellis Island Medal of Honor Recipient

Dr. Lawrence V. Najarian, a physician, humanitarian, and proud Armenian American, received the 2019 Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Awarded annually to a group of distinguished American citizens who exemplify a life dedicated to community service and extraordinary accomplishments in their field, Dr. Najarian was one of ninety-four medalists recognized this year.

Sponsored by the Ellis Island Honors Society (EIHS), the organization’s 34th awards ceremony medal presentation was held May 11, 2019 in the historic Great Hall, the original registry room and the gateway for 12 million immigrants to the U.S., and where guests celebrated the evening in front of the iconic view of the Statue of Liberty.

The night began with a poignant introduction by EIHS Chairman Nasser Kazeminy and the Masters of Ceremony, journalists Marvin Scott and Tamsen Fadal.

“Tonight, we celebrate an extraordinary group of Americans. They are educators, healers, scientists, artists, thinkers and leaders of industry - all of whom are free to follow their passions and dreams to benefit America and the world," said Nasser Kazeminy, Chairman of the Ellis Island Honors Society. “Medalists, you represent the best of America, both its glorious past and its bright future. America needs your innovation, leadership and vision.

“You can still feel the joys and sorrows of these American heroes in these hallowed halls. Who among us does not feel a sense of compassion when we think of their struggle? How can we not admire their perseverance? We must never lose that empathy. That compassionate spirit is the cornerstone of democracy and humanity.”

Dr. Najarian accepted the Ellis Island Medal on behalf of his grandparents who came through Ellis Island in 1921. Like other survivors of the Armenian Diaspora, they were forever grateful for the opportunity to flourish in a new country and were honored to become American citizens, a fact that is gratefully acknowledged by every succeeding generation.

Commenting on his award, Dr. Najarian said, “I am humbled by this recognition. I am deeply grateful and accept this award on behalf of so many people. For my grandparents who came to this country through Ellis Island with the hope of opportunities creating a new life for their family and community. And, for the many volunteers I am privileged to work with who have committed themselves and use their talents to do so much for so many people. I truly believe when people work together, we can accomplish so much more than we would accomplish individually."

The gift of citizenship has been repaid many fold. His parents, high school graduates, worked hard to send him to college. Today, Dr. Najarian is a board-certified ophthalmologist and founder and medical director of the Bedminster Eye and Laser Center with offices in Bedminster and Teaneck where he has ministered to surrounding communities for 30 years. He is a graduate of John Hopkins University, the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and completed his training in ophthalmology at New York University Medical Center, Moorfield Eye Hospital in London and Emory University.

For more than 30 years, he has served on the voluntary faculty teaching ophthalmology residents at New York University and New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. He also lectures for Columbia University’s Continuing Medical Education Program. Dr. Najarian is on staff at the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset in Somerville.

He is the recipient of The Arnold P. Gold Foundation Gold Award which recognizes healthcare professionals who provide compassionate, collaborative and scientifically excellent patient care.

Dr. Najarian’s commitment to science education extends to local classrooms. In 2008, he devised a teaching program for 7th graders at the Gill St. Bernard's School in Gladstone, which is a favorite with students. He continues to collaborate with the science department to expand it.

A lifelong Boy Scout, Dr. Najarian was recently honored with a Good Scout Award. At the young age of 13, he was elected to the Order of the Arrow and attained the rank of Eagle Scout. He served as assistant Scout Master, merit badge counselor, fundraiser, and is the father of Eagle Scout Greg Najarian.

He has served since 2006, as President of the Armenian American Health Professional Organization (AAHPO), a multifaceted, volunteer-led, 501(c)3 medical philanthropy. AAHPO provides health care services and education to underserved populations in the tri-state area and in Armenia, medical mentoring and workshops, emergency consultations and counseling.

Dr. Najarian also served on the Board of the Armenian Eye Care Project, which recently honored him with a Silver Award for his service to patients. He currently serves on the executive board of the Armenian Medical International Committee.

Through these organizations, he has led and participated in multiple medical missions to Armenia, helped to organize and chair international medical meetings, facilitated the donation of a $1 million microsurgical training laboratory in Yerevan at which several generations of eye surgeons have trained and supervised the training of physicians who provide much needed care to previously underserved, rural villages of Armenia.

The ceremony honored notable names such as award-winning recording artist Paula Abdul, former Google Chairman Eric Schmidt, U.S. Representative Adam Schiff, IBM CEO Ginni Rometty, CNN Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta, television personality Montel Williams, New York Times columnist Bret Stephens, Washington Post columnist Jason Rezaian, Executive Director of the U.N. World Food Programme David Beasley, Mastercard President and CEO Ajay Banga, Ellis Island:The Dream of America composer Peter Boyer, and more.

Past Ellis Island Medalists include seven U.S. Presidents, three world leaders, several Nobel Prize winners and countless leaders in industry, education, the arts, sports and government as well as everyday Americans who have made freedom, liberty and compassion a part of their life's work.

The Ellis Island Medal of Honor ranks among the nation’s most renowned awards. The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have officially recognized the Ellis Island Medals of Honor, and each year the recipients are listed in the Congressional Record.