Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Analyzing Systemic Challenges in General Medical Clinical Education and Policy Solutions

Document Type : policy brief

Authors
1 Associate professor, Medical Education Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
2 MD , Medical Education Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
3 Professor, Internal Medicine Department (Nephrology), Isfahan Kidney Diseases Research Center, Khorshid Hospital, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
10.48305/jims.v44.i856.0452
Abstract
Clinical education, as a decisive stage in the training of general practitioners, is responsible for transferring theoretical knowledge to practical skills and shaping professional competencies; however, the general medical education system in Iran faces several structural challenges that lead to a significant gap between theoretical learning and clinical performance of graduates. These challenges are rooted in multidimensional factors, including resource management, educational policymaking, curriculum content, and the culture of learning environments. To overcome the challenges, it is recommended to focus on an integrated policy package; in this regard, the proposed solutions are presented in three axes: In the short term, it is essential to ensure the psychological and economic security of students through the implementation of a professional ethics charter with executive guarantees and the design of targeted financial support packages. In the intermediate step, redesigning the human resource structure and educational culture by separating the educational role of medical students from the service role, institutionalizing evidence-based medicine (EBM), and establishing a continuous and transparent evaluation system should be considered. In the long term, redefining the content and location of education by increasing the share of public (non-super specialty) environments and fundamentally revising the syllabus with a case-based approach based on the most common health needs of the community will play a role in increasing the efficiency of clinical education in the health system.

Highlights

Maryam Avizhgan: Google Scholar

Keywords
Subjects

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Volume 44, Issue 856
4th Week, May (Policy Brief)
May and June 2026
Pages 452-457

  • Receive Date 27 December 2025
  • Accept Date 29 December 2025