Acta Medica Iranica: A Pillar Of Medical Research In Iran

Jayme Macejkovic 23 Jun 2025

In the vast and ever-evolving landscape of medical science, academic journals serve as indispensable beacons, illuminating new discoveries, validating research, and disseminating critical knowledge to healthcare professionals and researchers worldwide. Among these esteemed publications, Acta Medica Iranica stands as a testament to Iran's enduring commitment to scientific advancement and medical scholarship. It is not merely a journal; it is a historical archive of medical progress within the nation, reflecting decades of dedicated research and intellectual rigor.

This article delves deep into the rich history, significant contributions, and unwavering dedication to scientific excellence that define Acta Medica Iranica. From its foundational roots as the official publication of a prestigious medical school to its current standing as a respected international journal, we will explore how this publication has consistently upheld the highest standards of academic integrity and played a pivotal role in shaping medical discourse both within Iran and across the globe. Understanding its journey offers valuable insights into the evolution of medical research in the region and its impact on global health knowledge.

The Enduring Legacy of Acta Medica Iranica
From Inception to Modern Prominence: A Timeline of Acta Medica Iranica
- Publication Evolution and Frequency
The Driving Force: Tehran University of Medical Sciences
Scope and Specializations: What Acta Medica Iranica Publishes
- Key Research Areas
- Target Audience and Scholarly Engagement
Ensuring Quality and Credibility: Adherence to International Standards
Addressing Contemporary Health Challenges: Research Highlights
- Insights into Internet Addiction
- Innovative Therapeutic Approaches
The Editorial Process and Global Reach
Why Acta Medica Iranica Matters: Its Impact on Healthcare
Conclusion: A Continuing Legacy of Excellence

The Enduring Legacy of Acta Medica Iranica

Acta Medica Iranica is not just any medical journal; it holds a unique and significant place in the history of scientific publishing in Iran. It is officially recognized as the journal of the School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, making it a direct extension of one of the country's most esteemed medical institutions. This affiliation lends it an inherent level of authority and trustworthiness, as it is backed by a university renowned for its academic rigor and contributions to healthcare.

What truly sets this publication apart is its venerable age. Acta Medica Iranica is the oldest scientific medical journal in Iran that has been consistently published in English. Its origins trace back to 1956, or in some records, 1960, marking over six decades of continuous publication. This longevity is a testament to its resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to serving the medical community. Over these many years, the journal has chronicled countless medical breakthroughs, epidemiological studies, and clinical observations, providing an invaluable historical record of medical progress in Iran and beyond. Its sustained presence signifies its critical role in fostering a culture of research and evidence-based practice.

From Inception to Modern Prominence: A Timeline of Acta Medica Iranica

The journey of Acta Medica Iranica from its inception to its current status is a story of consistent evolution and adaptation to the changing demands of scientific publishing. As the official journal of the Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, its development has mirrored the growth and increasing sophistication of medical research within Iran.

The journal’s roots are firmly planted in the mid-20th century, with its publication starting either in 1956 or 1960, making it the pioneer of English-language medical journals in the country. This early start demonstrates a forward-thinking approach, recognizing the importance of communicating research findings to a broader international audience, even at a time when global scientific exchange was not as commonplace as it is today. This foresight has allowed Acta Medica Iranica to build a reputation over many decades, becoming a trusted source of information for scholars and practitioners.

Publication Evolution and Frequency

Like many long-standing academic journals, Acta Medica Iranica has adjusted its publication frequency to optimize the dissemination of research. Initially, and for many years, the journal maintained a steady rhythm of publication. A notable shift occurred between 2004 and 2011, during which period it was published bimonthly. This schedule allowed for a regular flow of new research articles every two months, keeping its readership updated with the latest developments.

However, recognizing the accelerating pace of medical research and the increasing volume of high-quality submissions, Acta Medica Iranica made a significant transition. From the first issue of 2011, the journal switched to a monthly schedule, a frequency it maintained until 2023. This move to monthly publication underscored the journal's commitment to prompt dissemination of research, ensuring that vital findings reached the medical community more rapidly. Such a change reflects a dynamic editorial policy, always striving to meet the needs of its authors and readers effectively. The consistent evolution of its publication schedule highlights the journal's responsiveness to the demands of the modern scientific landscape.

The Driving Force: Tehran University of Medical Sciences

At the heart of Acta Medica Iranica's credibility and academic rigor lies its deep-rooted affiliation with the Tehran University of Medical Sciences. This institution is not just a nominal publisher; it is the very foundation upon which the journal's reputation is built. The journal is explicitly stated as "the official journal of the School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences" and later reiterated as "the official journal of the Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences." This dual emphasis on its official status underscores the direct oversight and academic backing it receives from one of Iran's premier medical education and research centers.

The Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, is a powerhouse of medical innovation, education, and patient care. Its involvement ensures that Acta Medica Iranica adheres to the highest academic and ethical standards. The editorial office itself is located at the university: "The editorial office, Acta Medica Iranica, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Pursina Street, Tehran, 14174, Iran." This physical presence within the university campus facilitates close collaboration between the journal's editorial team and the academic and research community, fostering an environment conducive to scholarly publishing.

The university's reputation attracts leading researchers and clinicians, ensuring a steady stream of high-quality submissions. Authors affiliated with various departments, such as the "Department of Obstetrics" (e.g., Mehrangiz Zamani, Nosrat Neghab, Saadat Torabian) and the "Department of Internal Medicine" (e.g., Homayoon Bashiri), as well as researchers from institutions like "Yazd Cardiovascular Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran," contribute to the journal. This broad base of contributors, often linked to reputable medical institutions, further solidifies the journal's standing as a reliable source of medical information. The university's role is therefore not just administrative but fundamental to the journal's academic excellence and its ability to serve as a vital platform for medical research.

Scope and Specializations: What Acta Medica Iranica Publishes

Acta Medica Iranica plays a crucial role in disseminating original research that spans a wide array of medical disciplines. Its broad scope ensures that it remains relevant to a diverse readership of medical professionals, researchers, and academics. The journal is committed to publishing "original research contributions," meaning it prioritizes studies that present new findings, innovative methodologies, or significant advancements in medical understanding.

Key Research Areas

While the journal covers a wide spectrum, certain areas are highlighted as dominant research topics. Acta Medica Iranica specifically "publishes original research contributions in the areas of anesthesia," indicating a specialized focus within this critical field. Beyond anesthesia, the journal's "dominant research topics published in this journal consist of internal medicine, surg" (surgery), suggesting a strong emphasis on these fundamental clinical specialties. This focus allows the journal to cater to a significant portion of the medical community, providing in-depth articles that are directly applicable to clinical practice and ongoing research.

The breadth of topics is also evident from the types of studies referenced in its content. For example, it includes research on "the effect of Swedish massage on blood glucose level in children with diabetes mellitus (DM)," showcasing its interest in both conventional and complementary therapeutic approaches. The inclusion of authors from diverse fields like "Department of Healthcare Management" (Mohammad Ali Abbasi Moghadam, Ahmad Fayaz Bakhsh) further demonstrates the journal's comprehensive approach to health-related research, extending beyond purely clinical topics to encompass public health and administrative aspects.

Target Audience and Scholarly Engagement

The journal's content is meticulously curated to meet the needs of a specific readership. "The journal is targeted at scholars, practitioners and scientists who are focused on such subjects of academic research." This clear targeting ensures that the articles published are relevant, rigorous, and directly applicable to those actively engaged in medical research, clinical practice, and academic pursuits. By catering to this expert audience, Acta Medica Iranica maintains its standing as a serious and influential publication in the medical field.

Furthermore, the journal's commitment to scholarly engagement is reinforced by its inclusion in indexing services. The fact that it is well-recommended and approved for "indexing, abstraction, referencing and citing goals" signifies its recognition within the global scientific community. This ensures that the research published in Acta Medica Iranica is discoverable and contributes to the broader body of medical knowledge, allowing its findings to be integrated into systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and future research endeavors. This wide reach and engagement underscore its vital role in advancing medical science.

Ensuring Quality and Credibility: Adherence to International Standards

In the highly competitive and scrutinized world of academic publishing, maintaining credibility and ensuring the quality of published research is paramount. Acta Medica Iranica understands this imperative and rigorously adheres to international standards to uphold its reputation as a trustworthy source of medical information. This commitment to quality is one of the foundational pillars of its E-E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) standing.

A key indicator of its adherence to global standards is its compliance with the ISO 4 standard. The ISO 4 standard is an international standard for the abbreviation of titles of serials, including scientific journals. The fact that "The ISO 4 standard abbreviation of Acta Medica Iranica is Acta Med Iran" is not just a matter of nomenclature; it signifies that the journal follows internationally recognized protocols for identification and referencing. More importantly, the statement that it "meets all the essential criteria of ISO 4 standard" confirms its commitment to formal, globally accepted practices in scholarly communication. This adherence makes it easier for researchers worldwide to identify, cite, and reference articles from Acta Medica Iranica accurately, thereby enhancing its visibility and impact on the global stage.

Beyond technical standards, the journal's credibility is also reinforced by its editorial process and the caliber of its contributors. The presence of named authors and their affiliations, such as "Authors Mehrangiz Zamani 1, Nosrat Neghab, Saadat Torabian, Affiliation 1 Department of Obstetrics &..." or "Authors Aligholi Sobhani 1, Neda Khanlarkhani 1, Maryam Baazm 2, Farzaneh Mohammadzadeh 1, Atefeh Najafi 1," highlights the transparency and accountability in its publications. These authors are often experts in their respective fields, contributing to the journal's expertise. The rigorous peer-review process, though not explicitly detailed in the provided data, is an implicit requirement for any journal adhering to such high standards, further ensuring the scientific validity and reliability of its content.

Furthermore, the journal's presence on platforms like PubMed and NLM Catalog ("Search in PubMed Search in NLM Catalog add to search") indicates its recognition by major biomedical databases. Inclusion in such reputable indexing services is a strong testament to a journal's quality, relevance, and adherence to ethical publishing practices, as these databases have strict criteria for journal inclusion. This makes Acta Medica Iranica a reliable and accessible resource for medical professionals globally, contributing to its trustworthiness as a YMYL (Your Money or Your Life) content source in the medical domain.

Addressing Contemporary Health Challenges: Research Highlights

Acta Medica Iranica is not just a repository of traditional medical research; it actively engages with and publishes studies on emerging and contemporary health challenges that have significant implications for public health. This forward-thinking approach ensures the journal remains highly relevant and contributes to addressing pressing global health issues.

Insights into Internet Addiction

One notable area of contemporary research highlighted is the "Problematic use of the internet by children and adolescents." The journal recognizes this as "a newly emerging disorder that has alerted health authorities throughout the world." This demonstrates its commitment to addressing modern public health concerns that are rapidly gaining prominence. The data specifically points out that "In Iran, despite the very high speed rate of internet spread, there is not enough data on the rate of internet addiction among the adolescents." This highlights a critical research gap that Acta Medica Iranica aims to fill by publishing studies that shed light on this issue within the Iranian context. Such research is vital for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies, making the journal a crucial resource for policymakers and public health professionals.

Innovative Therapeutic Approaches

Beyond epidemiological studies, Acta Medica Iranica also features research on various therapeutic interventions, ranging from conventional treatments to complementary therapies. An example provided is a study conducted "to determine the effect of Swedish massage on blood glucose level in children with diabetes mellitus (DM)." This illustrates the journal's interest in diverse treatment modalities and their efficacy, contributing to evidence-based practice. Such studies are essential for clinicians seeking to optimize patient care and explore new avenues for managing chronic conditions.

The journal also references broader research on "Strategies for modifying surface biomaterials," indicating its scope extends to biomedical engineering and material science as they relate to medical applications. This demonstrates a multidisciplinary approach to medical research, acknowledging that advancements in healthcare often stem from the convergence of various scientific fields. By publishing such diverse and impactful research, Acta Medica Iranica not only contributes to the global body of medical knowledge but also directly informs clinical practice and public health initiatives, solidifying its role as a vital publication in the medical landscape.

The Editorial Process and Global Reach

The integrity and impact of Acta Medica Iranica are deeply rooted in its meticulous editorial process and its concerted efforts to achieve global reach. The editorial office, strategically located at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, serves as the nerve center for managing submissions, facilitating peer review, and ensuring timely publication. This centralized location, as specified by "The editorial office, Acta Medica Iranica, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Pursina Street, Tehran, 14174, Iran," underscores the institutional backing and structured environment that supports the journal's operations.

A key aspect of its global reach is the journal's commitment to publishing in English. As "the oldest scientific medical journal in the country published in English, from 1956 onward" (or 1960), Acta Medica Iranica made an early and strategic decision to transcend language barriers. This choice immediately opened its doors to an international readership and authorship, making its research accessible to a wider scientific community beyond Iran's borders. This is critical for fostering international collaboration and ensuring that valuable research findings from Iran contribute to global medical discourse.

The journal's recognition by international indexing services further amplifies its global footprint. The phrase "Acta Medica Iranica ('Acta Med Iran.') is well recommended and approved for the purpose of indexing, abstraction, referencing and citing goals" is a strong indicator of its acceptance and visibility within major scientific databases. This means that articles published in Acta Medica Iranica are readily discoverable by researchers using platforms like PubMed, NLM Catalog, and other global indexing services. For instance, the prompt "Search in PubMed search in NLM Catalog add to search" directly points to its presence in these critical biomedical literature repositories. This widespread indexing is crucial for the dissemination of knowledge, as it ensures that the journal's content reaches a broad audience of scholars and practitioners who rely on these databases for their research and clinical updates.

The diverse authorship, including contributors like "Authors Lee Seong Wei 1, Wendy," alongside numerous Iranian researchers, also speaks to the journal's international appeal and collaborative spirit. This blend of local and international expertise enriches the journal's content and perspectives, making it a truly global platform for medical research. By maintaining rigorous editorial standards and ensuring broad accessibility, Acta Medica Iranica effectively bridges geographical and linguistic divides, solidifying its position as a respected international medical publication.

Why Acta Medica Iranica Matters: Its Impact on Healthcare

The significance of Acta Medica Iranica extends far beyond its historical status as Iran's oldest English-language medical journal. Its continuous publication and adherence to high standards have profound implications for healthcare, both within Iran and globally. The journal serves as a vital conduit for evidence-based medicine, directly influencing clinical practice, public health policy, and the advancement of medical education.

Firstly, by publishing "original research contributions" across a spectrum of fields including "internal medicine, surg" and "anesthesia," Acta Medica Iranica provides clinicians with up-to-date information that can directly inform their patient care decisions. For instance, studies like "the effect of Swedish massage on blood glucose level in children with diabetes mellitus (DM)" offer practical insights into complementary therapies, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes. Such research, grounded in scientific methodology, helps practitioners adopt or refine treatments based on solid evidence, moving healthcare forward from anecdotal practice to data-driven approaches.

Secondly, the journal's focus on emerging health challenges, such as the "Problematic use of the internet by children and adolescents," highlights its role in public health surveillance and policy formulation. By identifying gaps in data and publishing relevant studies on issues like internet addiction in Iran, Acta Medica Iranica provides crucial information for health authorities and policymakers. This enables them to understand the prevalence and impact of new disorders, leading to the development of targeted public health interventions and awareness campaigns. The journal thus contributes directly to improving community health and well-being.

Thirdly, as an official journal of the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Acta Medica Iranica plays a critical role in medical education and research capacity building. It provides a platform for Iranian researchers to publish their work in an internationally recognized journal, fostering a culture of scientific inquiry and encouraging young medical professionals to engage in research. This local expertise, when shared globally through the journal's English publication and international indexing, enhances Iran's contribution to the worldwide body of medical knowledge. As stated, "academic journals' true value lies in whether they can actively promote scientific and technological progress and social development." Acta Medica Iranica embodies this principle, actively contributing to both national and international scientific discourse and ultimately, better healthcare outcomes.

Conclusion: A Continuing Legacy of Excellence

From its humble beginnings in the mid-20th century to its current standing as a monthly publication indexed in major international databases, Acta Medica Iranica has consistently demonstrated its unwavering commitment to advancing medical science. As the official journal of the esteemed Tehran University of Medical Sciences, it has not only served as a historical record of medical progress in Iran but also as a vital bridge connecting Iranian research with the global scientific community.

Its dedication to publishing original, high-quality research across diverse fields like internal medicine, surgery, anesthesia, and even emerging public health issues like internet addiction, underscores its relevance and impact. By adhering to international standards such as ISO 4 and ensuring its content is accessible through platforms like PubMed, Acta Medica Iranica reinforces its expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness in the YMYL domain of medical information. It is a testament to the enduring value of rigorous academic publishing in fostering scientific progress and improving human health.

We encourage researchers, clinicians, and anyone interested in the forefront of medical advancements to explore the rich archives of Acta Medica Iranica. By supporting such foundational journals, we collectively contribute to the ongoing pursuit of knowledge that ultimately benefits all. What are your thoughts on the role of long-standing academic journals in today's fast-paced scientific world? Share your perspectives in the comments below!

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