Tehran University of Medical Sciences

History

Before the establishment of Dar-ol-Fonoon, there was no systematic approach to medical education in Iran. In 1851, Dar-ol-Fonoon School was established and medicine was considered as one of its main subjects. The first group of the Schools’ graduates started practicing medicine in 1856. The Dar-ol-Fonoon School of Medicine can be considered as the first modern college of higher education in Iran. In 1918, medicine was deleted from the syllabus of Dar-ol-Fonoon and started to be taught in a separate independent college named “College of Medicine” and in the Same year, the first women’s hospital was officially inaugurated. In 1934, the National Consultative Assembly ratified establishment of the University of Tehran to bring together the institutions of higher education, and the government purchased a 200000 square meter tract in Tehran, the University of Tehran actually started its operation with the six Schools of Medicine, Law, Political Sciences, Science, Letters, Engineering, and Theology. At the same time, the main chairs of the School of Medicine including medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry were determined. On February 4, 1934, the Department of Anatomy was inaugurated as the first step to establish the School of Medicine in the main campus of University of Tehran. In 1939, the University started offering doctorate degrees in pharmacy and dentistry. In the following year, all of the hospitals in Tehran were affiliated to the School of Medicine. Finally, in 956 the Schools of Pharmacy and Dentistry were granted their academic independence.

Modern History

In 1986, the Islamic Consultative Assembly ratified a bill for the establishment of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education. Since then, education of medicine and related disciplines, which had been performed under the supervision of the Ministry of Science, came under the Ministry of Health 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. After emerging regional health organizations in the universities of medical sciences in 1994, the mentioned universities, including Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, came to assume the responsibility of rendering health care services while offering medical education.

The University Campus

The place where the anatomy hall, as the first part of the faculty of Medicine, was built 80 years ago was in the most northern point of the City of Tehran. Over the years the capital city grew vaster, 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 and Health Services is the location of most of the University buildings including the School of Medicine 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 complex also houses the University Headquarters. Following the establishment of new schools and because of the limited physical area of the Central Campus, the School of Rehabilitation, and the School of Nursing and Midwifery were moved to other places.

Koy-e-Daneshgah, the main complex of students’ dormitories, is located in a green-forested area not far from the Central Campus. In addition to Koy-e-Daneshgah, there are other students living complexes in different parts of the city.

TUMS International Campus

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.

Pharmacies

1. Taleghani
2. Shahid Abedini
3. Dr. Amini
4. BooAbi
5. Isar
6. 13 aban
7. Sina
8. Imam Khomeini hospital
9. Dr. Shari'ati hospital
10. Razi hospital
11. Children Hospital
12. Subspecialty of 13 Aban

Research centers

Iran has recently achieved the highest science and technology growth rate in the world. Tehran University of Medical Sciences has the largest network of research in medical sciences. Beside the researches done in departments of its faculties, it is now handling over 100 research centers in Iran, some of them listed below. More than one third of science production in Iran takes place in TUMS.

International campus

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 Ph.D. and M.Sc. 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.

Admissions

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.

Student body

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.

Rankings

Tehran University of Medical Sciences is ranked the first among Iranian Medical Sciences Universities by Ministry of Health for seven continuous years. International ranking of Tehran University of Medical Sciencesis in recent years is as follows:

Notable alumni and faculty

TUMS has trained many distinguished national and international physicians and scientists. Among the best-known graduates of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Mohammad Gharib the father of Iranian pediatrics, Moslem Bahadori, Abbas Shafiee notable pharmaceutical chemist, Yahya Dowlati, Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast, Ahmad Reza Dehpour, Fereydoun Davatchi, Reza Malekzadeh and many others could be named. See the list of University of Tehran people.