The Brilliance of Occupational Therapy and Social Work Student Associations in the Ministry of Health’s Annual Evaluation
The Brilliance of Occupational Therapy and Social Work Student Associations in the Ministry of Health’s Annual Evaluation
In the annual evaluation of student scientific associations by the Ministry of Health, Treatment, and Medical Education, the scientific associations of Occupational Therapy and Social Work at the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences earned high marks and, through the implementation of diverse scientific and educational programs, joined the group of top associations.
According to Dr. Fatemeh Adelinejhad, the head of the scientific and student associations at the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, who congratulated the students on this achievement, in the annual evaluation by the Ministry of Health, Treatment, and Medical Education, the Occupational Therapy and Social Work student associations managed to secure the top title among 12 active associations.
She added that these two associations, by implementing a variety of scientific, educational, and social programs with broad student participation, gained a special position among the university’s scientific associations.
Explaining the evaluation criteria for scientific associations, Dr. Adelinejhad stated that student participation, diversity and innovation in programs, the level of implementation (academic or national), and the alignment of activities with students’ real needs were the primary criteria for selecting the top associations. She noted that the Social Work Association was recognized for the variety and quality of its programs, and the Occupational Therapy Association for its nationwide conferences and extensive specialized activities, placing them among the selected.
The head of the university’s scientific and student associations emphasized that scientific associations are the foundation of students’ social and scientific growth. By fostering a spirit of participation and self-confidence, they transform the university environment from merely educational into a dynamic space for experience, dialogue, and creativity.
She continued: the university welcomes all student proposals to develop scientific activities and strives to provide the necessary supportive infrastructure to improve the performance of the associations continuously.
Strengthening scientific identity and increasing student participation are the Social Work Association’s priorities
Fahimeh Shabani-Pour, secretary of the Social Work Scientific Association, told our reporter that the association’s annual planning began in November 2024 with a focus on three areas: education, entrepreneurship, and empowerment.
She added that launching the association’s student newsletter and organizing joint conferences with internal and external organizations are among the association’s upcoming plans. Our main goal is to strengthen the scientific identity of social work students and increase the purposeful participation of the younger generation.
Shabani-Pour, emphasizing the need for more financial support from the Cultural and Student Affairs Deputy, stated that funding for workshops, inviting visiting professors, and facilitating the process of obtaining permits for scientific camps are among the most important needs of the associations to improve the quality of their activities.
She also highlighted the ongoing collaboration of the Social Work faculty members as a key factor in the association’s success.
Student Scientific Associations: A Platform for Scientific and Social Trial and Error
Mehdi Askeri-Pour, secretary of the Occupational Therapy Scientific Association, said: Focus on the personal growth of members, effective communication with professors, and consistency of activities are the most important factors in the success of the Occupational Therapy Association.
He noted that in the past two years, the association has organized more than forty scientific and social programs, including a series of Journal Club meetings, specialized empowerment courses, the “Master Therapist” competition, field visits to clinical centers, and collaboration with charitable organizations.
This master’s student in Occupational Therapy added: Scientific associations are platforms for the trial and error of students’ scientific and social endeavors; a safe space for learning, experience, and teamwork that fosters members’ personal and professional growth.
Askari-Pour emphasized that scientific associations are unbiased, student-centered institutions where students can participate regardless of social or political considerations, solely based on their professional concerns. This problem-centered approach can foster the development of the country’s future specialists.
Finally, he expressed gratitude for the support of Dr. Akbar Fehimi, the association advisor and association expert, and urged the university to continue backing to expansion of targeted and specialized programs.
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