Challenges and Solutions for The Promotion of Medical Sciences Faculty Members in Iran: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: Faculty members play an important role in achieving the goals of higher education and take the responsibility of educating and disciplining students. This research aimed to investigate the challenges and concerns facing faculty member promotion regulations and provide appropriate solutions.Method: This study was a systematic review conducted by searching PubMed, Scopus, Eric, Web of Science, Cochrane, SID, Magiran, and Irandoc journals and databases with Persian and English keywords in the period from 2015 to 2020. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened and the data were extracted over two authors. Results: Thirteen articles were included. Challenges to promotion of faculty members were reviewed and grouped into five main categories: 1) the general regulations for the promotion of faculty members, 2) cultural, disciplinary, and social activities, 3) educational activities, 4) research-technology activities, and 5) scientific-executive activities. Conclusion: Despite several amendments to regulations for the promotion of faculty members, this process always encounters challenges due to the complex nature of its related tasks. This article provides tips to policymakers on regulations of promotion for educational activities.