Persian Medicine, also known as Iranian Traditional Medicine, is one of the prominent branches of complementary medicine. Its logical and evidence-based integration into the national healthcare system can create new capacities for promoting public health, reducing the burden of chronic diseases, improving patients’ quality of life, and lowering healthcare expenditures through the modification of lifestyle patterns.

The global interest in traditional and complementary medicine continues to grow steadily. In order to regulate and guide this sector within health systems, the World Health Organization periodically publishes its Traditional Medicine Strategy based on expert consultation. In the most recent strategy document covering the period 2025–2034, strengthening the evidence base for integrated traditional and complementary medicine has been emphasized as the first strategic objective.

In Iran, since the establishment of Schools of Persian Medicine in 2007 (1386 in the Iranian calendar), and through the dedicated efforts of researchers working in these schools and affiliated research centers, significant achievements have been made in advancing research and developing evidence-based documentation of the teachings of Persian Medicine. As a globally recognized medical tradition rich in preventive and therapeutic knowledge, Persian Medicine has increasingly contributed to scientific output. Since 2022, Iranian researchers have ranked fourth worldwide in scientific production in the field of traditional and complementary medicine for four consecutive years, reflecting sustained progress and continuous effort. Furthermore, the high number of clinical trials conducted in the field of Persian Medicine in Iran has positioned the country third globally in the registration of clinical trials related to traditional medicine.

It is evident that this forward movement must continue with even greater momentum in order to achieve more substantial outcomes in strengthening the evidence base of Persian Medicine teachings.

The School of Persian Medicine at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, in alignment with national upstream policy documents and healthcare strategies, has been a pioneer in the field through the dedicated efforts of its faculty members and students. In addition to providing specialized education to physicians and pharmacists across the country, the School has played a leading role in the scientific documentation and evidence development of Persian Medicine.

To achieve its strategic objectives fully, the School extends its hand in collaboration to distinguished scholars, thinkers, and researchers, seeking to harness the full potential of Persian Medicine in further enhancing health and well-being.