Current Status of Faculty Development of Medical Sciences Universities in Iran: A Qualitative Study

Background: Higher education institutions and medical universities always need developed faculties to reach their objectives, thus they need plans for empowering the professors. Hence, it is necessary for them to seek and apply the views of the experts on development. Objectives: The present qualitative study aimed to analyze development of faculty members of universities of medical sciences in Iran based on different views of experts. Methods: Some experts in the field of medical educational development were selected using purposive and snowball sampling methods until reaching the theoretical saturation, and underwent semi-structured interviews. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, and analyzed through qualitative content analysis. Results: The analysis of transcripts yielded 321 initial codes that were classified and summarized according to conceptual similarities and differences. Subthemes of research, educational, leadership and management, specialty, ethical and individual dimensions were observed for the faculty development of medical sciences universities. Conclusions: According to the results of the study, managers and officials are recommended to adopt a comprehensive look at the faculty development plans and consider all its aspects.