A testament to the intellectual commitment and caliber of the man,
Avedis Donabedian wrote this book when most of us would have renounced
any interest in the external world and focused exclusively on a
rapidly declining state of health. There was only one argument, no other,
that could have persuaded him to commit himself to the arduous task.
Haroutune Armenian, President of the American University of Armenia,
a dear friend and cherished colleague, knew the argument and used it.
Haroutune argued that the best way for Donabedian to influence the
quality of medical care in Armenia and other countries around the world
would be to write a book for the general readership of health-care professionals.
With deep admiration for Armenian's dedication to his homeland,
his scholarship and his fortitude, Donabedian accepted willingly.
This would be the last time he spoke to us through the professional
written word, and this is his lasting gift.