Development of gastroenterology and hepatology in Iran: Part II- advances in research and therapeutic modalities.

Following the establishment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Fellowship Programs in 1987, significant developments in research and health care delivery have been achieved. The number of published articles has increased significantly and now more than 10 approved research centers are involved in several longitudinal and population based studies in GI epidemiology, viral hepatitis and GI oncology around the country. Before 1987 less than 50 gastroenterologists were working in the country, but now more than 300 gastroenterologists are involved in public and private health care delivery systems.

Development of gastroenterology and hepatology in Iran: part I-training programs and the Iranian association of gastroenterology and hepatology.

During the first half of the 20th century, all subspecialties of internal medicine were managed by general internists and there was no gastroenterologist in Iran.1 The first group of Iranian gastroenterologists who had completed their training program in France started working in Tehran in 1951. Later on, other specialists trained in USA and the United Kingdom joined them.