Karine Sargsyan, MD, is a renowned Armenian-Austrian medical doctor, geneticist, and educator who has made significant contributions to the fields of biobanking and translational oncology. As the director of translational oncology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills, California, she leads scientific initiatives focused on molecular screening for diseases such as cancer and on advancing healthy aging. In addition, she serves as the scientific director of the Cancer Biobank at Cedars-Sinai, where her expertise in managing complex biomedical projects has further cemented her reputation as a leader in the field.
Dr. Sargsyan’s academic journey laid the foundation for her multifaceted career. She earned a Doctor of Medicine in pediatrics from Yerevan State Medical University, followed by a doctorate in medical genetics and a master’s degree in psychology. This comprehensive educational background provided her with a multidisciplinary perspective that has informed her pioneering work in research and education. She has also pursued numerous certifications, including biomedical investigators and key personnel training through the CITI Program, further enhancing her proficiency in research management and emergency medical response.
A deep commitment to advancing medicine and science is evident throughout Dr. Sargsyan’s career. At Cedars-Sinai, she has been instrumental in developing innovative approaches to translational oncology, applying cutting-edge research to clinical applications. Her role extends beyond the laboratory, involving collaboration with diverse teams to drive scientific progress. Before joining Cedars-Sinai, she made a lasting impact on biobanking in Europe. As the managing director of Biobank Graz at the Medical University of Graz in Austria, she transformed the institution into the largest clinical biobank in Europe. Her visionary leadership also included serving as president of the European, Middle Eastern and African Society for Biopreservation and Biobanking, promoting collaboration and innovation across the biobanking community.
Dr. Sargsyan emphasizes the importance of foresight sciences in medicine. She envisions establishing an institute dedicated to integrating foresight sciences with medical innovation, particularly in predictive diagnostics. Her passion for this field is exemplified by her focus on developing organic molecular micro-vibrations as predictive markers for future health challenges, drawing inspiration from recent Nobel Prize-winning research. These efforts demonstrate her determination to advance health care through predictive and preventive measures.
Dr. Sargsyan’s contributions extend to the literary world, and she has authored several impactful works, including the Springer Nature bestseller Future Intelligence: The World in 2050. Her publications explore themes of innovation and foresight, reflecting her dedication to preparing future generations for a rapidly evolving world. Her achievements have garnered numerous accolades, including recognition as Woman of the Year in Science and an honorary doctorate from her alma mater. As a member of Mensa, Dr. Sargsyan combines intellectual rigor with a deep sense of humanity, prioritizing kindness and compassion in her professional and personal endeavors.
Dedication and growth are values reflected in Dr. Sargsyan’s personal life. Married to Vardan Kyurumyan, Dr. Sargsyan is the proud mother of Astghik Kyurumyan, who is pursuing a career in interior architecture and design in Germany. Astghik has already gained recognition for her stage designs featured by TEDx and shares her mother’s Mensa membership. Dr. Sargsyan values consulting opportunities that allow her to balance professional growth with supporting her daughter’s aspirations.
Dr. Sargsyan’s life exemplifies her belief in perseverance and the power of positive thinking. As a cancer survivor, she approaches her work with a profound understanding of resilience and the human spirit. Her journey from a pediatrician in Armenia to a leader in translational oncology highlights her desire to make a meaningful impact on the world. Whether through her groundbreaking research, educational initiatives, or personal philosophy, Dr. Sargsyan remains devoted to improving lives and driving innovation in health care.