Horizontal Education in Medical Sciences in Iran: A Certificate-Based Strategy for Skill Enhancement

Jorjani, Masoumeh; Baghani, Matin

doi:10.22062/sdme.2025.200961.1535

Horizontal Education in Medical Sciences in Iran: A Certificate-Based Strategy for Skill Enhancement

Document Type : Brief report

Authors

Masoumeh Jorjani ¹^{, 2}^{, 3}

Matin Baghani ⁴^{, 5}

¹ Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

² Neurobiology Research Center, Institute of Neuroscience and Cognition, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

³ Department of Medical Education, Iranian Academy of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

⁴ Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Research Institute of Functional Neurosurgery, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

⁵ Department of Foresight, Theorizing, and Macro Health Monitoring, Iranian Academy of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22062/sdme.2025.200961.1535

Abstract

Education plays a crucial role in sustainable development and is a significant investment in building a skilled workforce that fosters enduring societal growth. In medical sciences, horizontal education is a novel and effective method to continuously improve the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals. Recent advancements in technology and the significant influence of artificial intelligence are driving the need for updated skills in healthcare. Short-term, need-based courses in horizontal education allow healthcare professionals to refresh their specialized skills quickly, without the obligation of lengthy academic programs. This approach is aligned with national health policies and the country’s seventh development plan. It holds the promise of enhancing both public and specialized healthcare services, empower graduates from medical and allied health disciplines, reduce skill gaps, and modernize the nation’s health system. This concise report offers a practical framework for implementing horizontal education in Iran's health and medical education sectors. It underscores the significance of establishing clear policy guidelines, developing robust infrastructure, and creating comprehensive quality assurance mechanisms to ameliorate health outcomes and elevate Iran’s standing in the global health arena.

Highlights

Masoumeh Jorjani: (Google Scholar) (PubMed)

Matin Baghani: (Google Scholar) (PubMed)

Keywords

Horizontal Education

Iranian Health Education

Professional Skills

Certificate-Based Training

Continuing Education

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