Тегеранский университет медицинских наук: история и современность

University in Tehran, Iran

Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) (دانشگاه علوم پزشکی تهران, Danushgah e 'lum Pezeshki ye Tehran) is the largest and most highly ranked medical university of Iran. In September 2008, Iran's Minister of Health, Treatment, and Medical Education, Lankarani, called TUMS a pioneer in research throughout the country with a noticeable lead over its peers. Located in Tehran, adjacent to the main University of Tehran campus, it was founded as part of Dar ol Fonoon in 1851, and absorbed into the University of Tehran in 1934. It finally separated from University of Tehran by parliamentary legislation in 1986, coming under the new Ministry of Health, Treatment, and Medical Education. TUMS is ranked as one of Iran's top research universities, with an annual research budget of over 300 billion Rials. The school trains over 13,000 students (40% of whom are women) in approximately 290 undergraduate, graduate and non degree (short course) programs. The university has 11 schools, operates 16 teaching hospitals, is equipped with over 44 libraries, and publishes 58 journals, some in collaboration with academic societies. The university operates The National Museum of Medical Sciences History as well. TUMS is accredited with Premier Status by Accreditation Service for International Colleges and Universities (ASIC UK)

In 1986, the Islamic Consultative Assembly ratified a bill for the establishment of the Ministry of Health, Treatment, and Medical Education. Since then, education of medicine and related disciplines, which had been performed under the supervision of the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology came under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Health, Treatment, and Medical Education. In line with this policy, universities of medical sciences were established and Tehran University of Medical Sciences, separating from the University of Tehran, came to existence to continue operating independently. Upon the emergence of regional health organizations in the universities of medical sciences in 1994, the mentioned universities, including Tehran University of Medical Sciences, came to assume the responsibility of rendering health care services while offering medical education.

Tehran University of Medical Sciences includes 10 different Schools (11 with Virtual School) which deal with various academical studies related to medical sciences.

One of the Medical Schools is School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine (SATIM). This school was established in 2008 and tried to focus on connection between science and technology. Now it offers 5 major fields which accept Ph. D. students including "Medical Biotechnology", "Molecular Medicine", "Medical Nanotechnology", "Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences", and "Neurosciences and Addiction Studies". Two of the fields also accept M. Sc. students as well ("Medical Biotechnology" and "Medical Nanotechnology").

Department of Medical Biotechnology was one of the three initial fields in the time of school establishment in 2008. It now accepts students in both M. Sc. and Ph. D. levels. It also accept international students based on the university policies. International students could also apply for different financial scholarships. Using different advanced biotechnology and bioinformatics techniques, academic members try to fill the gap between university and industry in medical sciences.

The place where the anatomy hall, as the first part of the School of Medicine, was built 80 years ago was in the most northern point of the capital city of Tehran. Over the years, the capital city grew faster, and the university campus came to be located in the city center, thus becoming an active center for academic, cultural, political, and social activities of this big crowded city. The central campus of Tehran University of Medical Sciences is the location of most of the university buildings including the School of Medicine, Pharmacy, Public Health and associated disciplines. Today, what is located at the central campus is a complex of the oldest Schools of Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Public Health. In addition to the central campus, the University Headquarters is also located nearby, at the Quds Keshavarz Intersection. Following the establishment of new schools and due to the limited physical area of the central campus, other schools were moved to different places. Kooy e Daneshgah, the main complex of students' dormitories, is located in a green forested area not far from the central campus. In addition to Kooy e Daneshgah, there are other students living complexes in different parts of the city as well as 5 dormitories dedicated to housing international students.

The International Campus was founded in 2006 as the international division of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The doors of TUMS and its International Campus are open to all international students coming from diverse cultures and backgrounds. In order to provide equal opportunities for talented students who come from a modest background, scholarships and financial aids are available.

In 2006, a group of professors and researchers established the International Campus of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS IC). Their main goal was to break new ground in education excellence in the medical fields with an international outlook. Of the over 18,000 students studying at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, there are 781 students enrolled at the International Campus. The current class is matched into the following specialties: 367 in medicine, 191 in dentistry, and 148 in pharmacy. There are 75 students at PhD and MSc levels who study in nutrition and public health programs. In 2012, the vice chancellor office for International Affairs and Global Strategies was created and Dr. Ali Arab Kheradmand became the vice chancellor for International Affairs and Global Strategies. This year, of 45,000 applicants, 150 students will join the International Campus. Sub specialist in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Ali Arab Kheradmand the president of the International Campus since its foundation in 2006, is the new vice chancellor for International Affairs and Global Strategies. The University center of climate change & health research signed a bilateral cooperation for academic and research work with Edward & Cynthia Institute of Public Health in India.

TUMS has well established admissions processes for students. Iranian students must submit the results of their National Exam, also known as "concours," and have a successful interview with the members of the Selection Committee. International students, after having completed an online application form for international admissions, submit their education documents, copy of previous educational degree(s), English proficiency documents, letters of recommendation, letter of motivation, résumé or C. V., passport size photograph, and a copy of passport's main pages. The Admissions Committee evaluates the qualifications of each student profile and has final authority to admit students. Students have access to a Scholarship Committee.

As of February 2012, about 150 international students are enrolled at TUMS IC. The coed student body brings together the heritage and culture of 65 nations. The school trains over 19,408 students (40% of which are women) in over 172 postgraduate programs. Teaching the medical sciences can have implications for cultural values and faith based beliefs. To respect all values and beliefs, the curriculum, classroom teaching, and the student housing centers are adapted for a culturally diverse student and faculty population. Upon their graduation, students will practice medicine in every part of the world. To prepare them, the school offers an education experience and curriculum.