An Adaptive study of the Achievements of Iranian Universities of Medical Sciences in Internationalization of Medical Education

Background and purpose: Considering the importance of internationalization in medical education, adaptation of successful international and national models can help to promote it. This study aimed at explaining the achievement of the universities of medical sciences in internationalization of medical education in Iran. Materials and methods: This descriptive-adaptive study was conducted in the international relations office at Kerman University of Medical Sciences (KMU). At first, top three universities in England, Pakistan, Ireland, Cyprus, and Greece were selected based on The Times Higher Education World University Rankings. According to the land-use planning classification in Iran, KMU is the university to follow and assess the performance of higher education in these countries. Then, information about the policies of these universities in internationalization of higher education was obtained using their websites or by request. We also collected information of KMU as a representative of eight universities of medical sciences and its affiliated academic and research centers. Results: Data about the ownership of universities, student recruitment strategies, and internationalization policies of the universities were compared with those of KMU and the weaknesses and strengths of KMU were determined. Conclusion: The universities of medical sciences in Iran are suggested to revise their missions, goals, and performance and aim to practice internationalization of higher education as an important strategy in their university prospects.