Comenius University Eager to Initiate Academic Collaboration with TUMS

During his journey to Iran, Professor Peter Labas, Dean of Medical Faculty at Commenius University met Dr. Emami, Dean of TUMS School of Medicine on 07 June 2014. In a meeting held with presence of Dr. Emami, Dr. Akhundzadeh, Vice Dean of School of Medicine for International Affairs, and a number of faculty members, Professor Labas showed huge interest in having joint programs with TUMS. At the beginning of the meeting slides were presented informing the guests about old history of the School, number of its publications in Scopus and PubMed, and the objective of the school for concentrating on fellowship and exchanging students and professors. Afterwards, Dr. Akhundzadeh spoke of science production in Iran and ranking of the country based on number of documents published in Scopus and asserted that Iran ranks 1st in the Middle East. 40% of science production in Iran belongs to health section, one third of which is produced by TUMS, he continued. He went on to say that 320 medical journals are published in Iran and each PhD student hast to publish at least 2 papers in ISI.

Amazed by Iran’s power of science and medicine, the Slovakian official said that he will expand collaboration with TUMS if he is elected as the rector of university in the upcoming election. “The door is open for academic collaboration and joint publications”; he said and talked about what the faculty has on agenda such as creating the possibility of one-day surgery.       

 The official also visited different departments of the school, Cancer Institute in Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, and Children’s Medical Hospital. In companion with Dr. Mahmoudzadeh, Head of Cancer Institute, Professor Labas visited different wards scrutinizing surgical cases. He also exchanged ideas with Dr. Rabbani, Head of Children’s Medical Hospital about most complicated surgeries. Moreover, he signed a contract with Dr. Rezaei, Chief Executive Director of Children’s Hospital for further cooperation.

During his stay in Iran, he also had a meeting with Dr. Arabkheradmand, Vice Chancellor for Global strategies and International Affairs, Dr. Nekoofar, Director of International Relations, Accreditation and Ranking, and Dr. Shabani, Director of International Relations and Development. TUMS officials asked professor Labas to invite deans of other medical faculties of Comenius University to Iran and also made a proposal for signing an MoU.

Reported By: M. Maddah