improved classification of medical universities in iran, a new approach

background: in order to check the practicality of classification of universities of medical sciences (umss) based on their infrastructures, and scientific contributions, this study explored the most appropriate indicators to measure the size and productivity of umss. methods: in the first phase, we approached a group of experts who had a deep experience in the management of umss and in the ministry of health to check their recommendations. in the second phase, we collected the information of all umss in iran in indicators to measure their achievement in education, research, health care services and their infrastructures. having used factorial and principal component analysis, the most appropriate combination of indicators was formed, and umss were grouped and mapped, accordingly. results: experts strongly recommended such a classification using the information of umss in all aspects of activities. the findings of models also showed an acceptable goodness of fit for the classification of umss based on scientific indicators, with and without taking into account of the indicators in related to the health services and infrastructure. conclusions: since, the size of umss in iran is extensively diverse, ranges from very small and newly established to old and globally well known ones, a satisfactory classification based on acceptable criteria is highly recommended.