Educational Development Centers in universities of medical sciences and health services: past, present

After foundation of the Educational Development Center (EDC) in Ministry of Health and Medical Education in 1989, These centers were gradually established in universities of medical sciences in order to promote the quality of education. The necessity of establishment of EDCs was tangibly revealed after integration of previous ministry of health and medical science faculties and establishment of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education in 1985. Consequently, The number of medical university and faculties gradually increased. Although, The increment had been done to respond the shortage of medical manpower, but it would be a threat for quality of education. In fact, EDCs were established in universities of medical sciences for preventing this threat. At present, 39 EDCs are assigned to promote the quality of education in universities of medical sciences. Their main functions are divided into five main branches: Teacher Training, Curriculum Development, Continuing Education, Evaluation and Research in Education. The shortage of experts in Medical Education, inadequate values for educational activities are among the important causes for unsuccessful results. In a review in 2002, training the expert human resources, considering real value of education, appropriate budget and early allocation were recognized as effective factors for promotion of the EDCs.