NJ Primary Care Doctor Gives Patients ‘A Space to Talk’

Growing up in a family of doctors in Armenia, family medicine specialist Anna Derian, M.D., knew that someday she would also become a physician.

“I remember, as a child, seeing my mother and grandfather so happy that they were helping people—getting so much satisfaction from that,” says Dr. Derian, who came to America, and New Jersey, with her family in 2012.

Dr. Derian, who practices at Hackensack Meridian Medical Group - Hoboken Primary Care and Multispecialty and speaks English, Armenian and Russian, says she aims to help her patients “prioritize preventive care, adopt a balanced lifestyle and help them manage stress and mental health.” She does that by taking care of herself, so she is at her best for her patients, husband and 14-year-old son.

What do you want to achieve for your patients?

My goal is to create a comfortable and trusting environment where my patients feel safe to share their concerns openly. I strive to address their needs, treating them as whole individuals rather than just focusing on their symptoms. Ultimately, I aim to support my patients in achieving their best possible health outcomes.

How do you prioritize your own health?

To maintain my own well-being, I start my mornings with a run, which helps me center myself and prepare for the day ahead. Running is not only a form of exercise but also a way to support my mental health. I prioritize a balanced, healthy diet and enjoy sharing knowledge about nutrition and fitness with my patients to inspire them to live healthier lifestyles.

You like to make your own wine. How do you do that?

Winemaking is a cherished tradition in my family that dates back to my childhood in Armenia. My earliest memories are of working alongside my grandfather in our vineyard, where the entire family would come together to carefully and lovingly craft wine. Here in the U.S., I source my grapes from Pennsylvania and make wine as a labor of love, sharing it exclusively with family and friends.

If you could choose anyone, who would you like to spend time with?

I would love to spend a day with Elon Musk and Bill Gates. I admire Elon for his visionary imagination and relentless pursuit of innovation, which has revolutionized multiple industries. Similarly, Bill’s journey—from dropping out of college to founding Microsoft and becoming a global business leader and philanthropist—deeply inspires me. Both have used creativity and technology to shape the world in profound ways, and I have countless questions for them.

What is a lifetime goal for you—something you really want to do?

My greatest aspiration is to be a successful and loving mother. I want to raise my child to become a respectful and compassionate individual who is kind, passionate about humanity and dedicated to making a positive difference in the world.

Next Steps & Resources

• Meet our source: Anna Derian, M.D.
• Make an appointment with a family medicine doctor near you or call 800-822-8905.
• Learn more about primary care services at Hackensack Meridian Health