Examining the Status of Competency-Oriented in Medical Science Education in Iran

Background: Nowadays, medical education is increasingly aligned with the competency-oriented approach worldwide. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the competency-oriented nature of medical sciences education in Iran. Methods: This study is of a qualitative-analytical-applied nature and consists of 2 phases: a synthesis research phase conducted through a scoping review and a qualitative content analysis phase carried out through focus group discussions. Results: The results, obtained by combining 11 articles and conducting qualitative content analysis through focus group discussions involving 14 professors and doctoral students in medical science education, showed a significant gap between Iran's medical science education and a competency-oriented approach. This gap is evident in 4 dimensions: teaching-learning, assessment, context-infrastructure, and planning, with a total of 13 sub-categories identified. Conclusions: The research showed that the gap between the current situation and competency-oriented medical science education is particularly pronounced in basic and theoretical courses. Therefore, those involved in this field should be given more attention to addressing this gap.