Seyed Mahmoud Sadjjadi, Mehdi Mohebali, Iraj Sharifi, Abdolhossein Dalimi Asl, Ali Haghighi, Abdollah Rafiei, Mostafa Rezaeian, Gholamhossein Edrissian, Hossein Keshavarz Valian, Mohammad Bagher Rokni, Mohammad Fallah, Hossein Yousefi Darani, Elham Razmjoo, Mehrzad Saraei, Ali Haniloo, Hossein Hooshyar, Ali Ehsan Heidari, Shirzad Gholami, Mahmoud Mahami Oskouei, Farnaz Kheirandish, Tahereh Mohammadzadeh, Yosef Sharifi
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: We aimed to review and analyze the status of Medical Parasitology course including current problems and challenges on human resources, infrastructure, research capacities, educational and investigative priorities in Iran, and to develop a roadmap and future development in this field.
Methods: A questionnaire was prepared to obtain information on Medical Parasitology departments in the country followed by field visits in many cases to collect data on the status of the faculty members, laboratory experts, physical spaces, laboratory equipment, microscopic slides, training Parasitology techniques, research projects and theses, published articles and books, access to Parasitology journals, books and e-books during 2022-2023. A roadmap and future development for Medical Parasitology in Iran and the formulation of a desirable status concerning short term to long-term goals was compiled.
Results: While prominent strengths such as capable research laboratories, experienced faculty, suitable educational spaces, active research centers, the existence of centers for keeping and working with laboratory animals, international and national collaborations are seen in a number of medium to large centers, shortcomings related to expert human resources, lack of educational equipment and slides, the need to upgrade especially in practical subjects, journal clubs, and lab meetings, research infrastructure such as laboratory animal houses, budget for theses and research projects urgently need attention. Among 132 universities, faculties, and educational-research centers training personnel in allied medical sciences disciplines, a considerable number lack Parasitology specialists.
Conclusion: Iran has a strong foundation in Medical Parasitology. However, using non-permanent faculty paid per course in medical education undermines quality and strains resources, exacerbating shortages. Universities must implement tailored strategic plans for parasitology, regularly updated to strengthen education, research, and health services, ensuring sustained excellence in training and public health contributions.
期刊介绍：
Iranian Journal of Parasitology (IJP) is the official publication of Iranian Society of Parasitology (ISP) launched in 2006. The society was inaugurated in 1994 and pursues the improvement of the knowledge on the parasites and parasitic diseases, exchange of scientific knowledge with foreign societies, publicity activities, and consultation on the parasitic diseases, and intimate relationship among society members.
The main aims of the Journal are: contribution to the field of Parasitology, including all aspects of parasites and parasitic diseases (medical and veterinary) and related fields such as Entomology which may be submitted by scientists from Iran and all over the world.
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