Challenges and Proposed Strategies for Enhancing the Comprehensive Program of Justice, Excellence, and Productivity in Medical Education: A case Study of Arak University of Medical Sciences

Introduction: The Comprehensive Program of justice, excellence, and productivity in medical education, as the most recent reform initiative in Iran’s higher education system for health sciences, is currently being implemented in Iranian medical sciences universities. Identifying the challenges and strategies for improving this program is essential for its successful implementation. This study aimed to explore the challenges and enhancement strategies of the program at Arak University of Medical sciences. Method: This qualitative study was conducted in 2023 with the participation of 17 individuals, including administrators, experts, and members of the working groups of the comprehensive plan for justice, excellence, and productivity in medical education at Arak University of Medical Sciences. Participants were selected purposefully using criterion-based sampling for interviews. The collected data were analyzed using content analysis. Results: Content analysis of the interviews revealed two main themes, seven sub-themes, and 20 categories. The main themes identified were challenges and effective measures in program implementation. Challenges were categorized into three groups: structural, operational, and programmatic issues. To enhance this program, intra-organizational interactions, managerial support, informing, and motivational initiatives were identified as effective strategies. Conclusion: The optimal implementation of transformation and innovation programs in medical education at medical sciences universities requires attention to their strengths and weaknesses across different universities. Managers and decision-makers at Arak University of Medical Sciences, other universities, and the Ministry of Health and Medical Education can utilize the findings of this study for future planning of transformation and innovation plans in medical education.