Lawrence V. Najarian, M.D., founder and medical director of Bedminster Eye and Laser Center at Teaneck, received the Teaneck Chamber of Commerce ‘Healer of the Year’ Community Service Award.
At the organization’s 2019 18th Annual Community Service Awards Dinner, Chamber President Larry Bauer thanked Dr. Najarian and several other community, business and civic leaders leaders for their service and dedication to the Teaneck community.
“Teaneck has been a central part of my life, so it was only natural to have opened my first practice here more than a quarter of a century ago when I first started out. I am grateful for this award and to the people of the town for warmly welcoming us, accepting us, and granting us the privilege of participating in their health care,” said Dr. Najarian. “Teaneck is a vibrant, ethnically diverse town. As a physician, it is so inspirational to hear the conversations that take place in my waiting room between strangers of different backgrounds who otherwise would not have the opportunity to meet.”
Dr. Najarian 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 Education Program.
Dr. Najarian is the recipient of many honors and awards, including the distinguished Ellis Island Medal of Honor for Americans with exceptional personal and professional achievements whose commitment to humanitarian causes has helped maintain their cultural heritage.
Dedicated to those who serve the unseen, he is 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.
He also has led Medical Missions, facilitated the donation of a microsurgical training laboratory, and organized physician training for much needed care to underserved, rural Armenian villages.
A lifelong Boy Scout, Dr. Najarian was 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 is the recipient of The Arnold P. Gold Foundation Gold Award which recognizes health care professionals who provide compassionate, collaborative and scientifically excellent patient care.
