Family Medicine Residency Program 

Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences

The Family Medicine residency program at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences was established in 2015. This is a clinical specialty that general practitioners (GPs) can pursue after successfully passing the national residency entrance examination.

The residency program lasts three years. The first semester is primarily focused on theoretical coursework comparable to an MPH (Master of Public Health) curriculum. During the second and third years, residents train in various clinical departments – including Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Infectious Diseases, ENT, Ophthalmology, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Urology, etc. – as well as in comprehensive health centers and university health posts.

Training in Family Medicine 

Family medicine training takes place in all outpatient clinics of the clinical departments on a full‑time basis, as well as in some departments without dedicated clinics (such as Radiology, Emergency, etc.), where residents serve as the first line of medical care in the university's affiliated hospitals.

Alongside their clinic rotations, residents work in comprehensive health centers and affiliated health networks. They act as physicians under the supervision of the relevant center's family medicine specialist, provide patient care, become familiar with the health information software used (such as SIB), and learn all aspects of interaction with other colleagues at the centers. Additionally, they participate in teaching the family medicine curriculum to medical trainees (externs and interns) at the comprehensive health centers.

Thesis and Progression Requirements 

Residents must complete a thesis, with topics ideally selected based on the needs of the health system at the national or provincial level, under the supervision of faculty members. To advance to the second and third years, residents must pass promotion examinations. Final graduation is conditional upon passing the specialty board examination (pre‑board or board certification).

Career Opportunities 

Graduates of this program can work in comprehensive health centers and provincial health networks, in private practice, or in health promotion centers under the Ministry of Health.

Graduates who hold a board certification are also eligible to apply for faculty positions at universities.