Aims: Qualitative and quantitative improvement of medical education needs informed mangers, who have necessary skills and knowledge for educational management of the large number of students and faculties in universities of medical sciences. However many of clinical department chairs start their work without being prepared for the upcoming challenges. This study carried out to provide a pattern of professional development of medical education administrators in this level.
Methods: This qualitative study carried out through content analysis method in Tehran, Iran, and Shahid Beheshti Universities of Medical Sciences in 2016 by conducting semi-structured interviews with 20 medical education administrators. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews and field notes and then were analyzed by contract qualitative content analysis.
Results: 499 initial codes were put into 137 concept codes, and were divided in a total of 26 sub-components and 6 main dimensions. The main dimensions were educational guidance development (4 sub-components), research guidance development (3 sub-components), clinical guidance development (4 sub-components), managerial skills development (4 sub-components), leadership skills development (6 sub-components) and personal self-development (5 sub-components).
Conclusion: six dimensions of professional development in this research as a pattern for professional development programs of clinical department chairs in universities of medical sciences can show positive outcomes on improving the quality of medical education. Most referred codes were development of leadership skills. It shows implementing professional development courses which can affect in improving leadership skills of department chair is more important.