The necessity of launching Ph.D. to MD course in Iran: Updated evidence,, benefits,, and cost-effectiveness

Considering the difference in the nature of the educational programs of medical doctor (MD) courses and Ph.D. in basic medical sciences and the many questions raised in this regard, in relation to the previous article published in this journal, the purpose of this study was updating the evidence, the benefit of the plan for the country and also the cost effectiveness of the implementation of this proposed program.

Based on our search, the related articles in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science databases, and also Google Scholar search engine between 1960 and 2022 using the keywords “Ph.D.” and “MD” or “Ph.D. to MD” and in combination with the “Curriculum” or “Program” or “Course” and also the websites of the universities that hold this course were searched.

The results showed that the benefits of this plan for the country include strengthening the relationship between basic and clinical sciences and increasing the quality of the medical science education. On the other hand, due to the low number of Medical Doctors in Iran, this plan will help to compensate for this shortage in the short term, and additionally, it will prevent the migration of elites of basic medical sciences in the country.

Considering our country's current medical education conditions, it seems necessary to start a Ph.D. to MD course in the form of a 4-year course.