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  Lameei A¹ * , (MD) Labbaf Ghassemi R², (MD).

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  1- Professor of infectious and tropical diseases, Medical school of Urmia University of Medical Sciences

  2- A ssociate Professor of infectious and tropical diseases, Medical school of Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences

  Abstract

Introduction: In Islamic Republic of Iran the medical education and healthcare systems have been integrated for more than twenty two years.�We carried out this study to reveal the meaning, causative factors, consequences and future of the integration from the perspectives of the supporters and opponents of it.

Methods: Using purposive sampling method we selected four persons from each group of the supporters and opponents. An in-depth interview was performed with each of the participants. The interviews were tape recorded, and then transcribed. The transcriptions were read, coded, and summarized.

Results: Almost�all of the participants inadequately defined the concept of the integration. The supporters and opponents of the integration had contrasting views on the consequences and future of the integration. The supports believe that the bad “management of the change” was the root cause of the challenges that the integrated system is facing now, but the opponents see the problem in the very nature of the integration.

Conclusion: There is still a very wide gap between the perspectives of the supporters and opponents of the integration this country.

Lessons Learned: The findings of this study have several significant implications. Leaders of the ministry of health and medical education should bring the subject of integration into the daily discussions and devise suitable systems for monitoring the performance of the integrated system.

Hakim Research Journal 2009 12(1): 1- 10.

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  * Corresponding Author: Professor of infectious and tropical diseases, Medical school of Urmia University of Medical Sciences. Tel: 22418220 Fax: 22407168 E.mail: drlameei@gmail.com