History

Iranian Society of Pediatricians

The Iranian Society of Pediatricians was founded in 1956 (1335 Shamsi) by the distinguished professor, Dr. Mohammad Gharib. Established with the aim of advancing pediatric medicine and promoting scientific knowledge in this field, the Society began its work with the support of eminent figures such as Dr. Hassan Ahari, Dr. Esfandiar Bodaghi, Dr. Kazem Paya, Dr. Pirnia, Dr. Gholamreza Khatami, Dr. Reza Moazzami, Dr. Moeinfar, and Dr. Nekoufar.
In its early years, the Board of Directors’ meetings were held in a charitable medical center located at the intersection of Palestine and Sepah Streets—a venue that later evolved into Hazrat Ali Asghar Children’s Hospital. Another venue, Khaje Noori Clinic near Pol-e Choubi, also hosted Board meetings and monthly scientific sessions, where physicians gathered to discuss challenging diagnostic and therapeutic cases. Subsequently, the pediatric wards of Imam Khomeini Hospital, the Children’s Medical Center, Mofid Children’s Hospital, and the Iranian Medical Council building hosted these meetings, until the Society’s permanent headquarters was established on Bozorgmehr Street in 2003 (1382 Shamsi).
From the outset, the leadership of the Society played a pivotal role in guiding its direction. Dr. Mohammad Gharib, the first president, served until 1974 (1353 Shamsi), laying the scientific and administrative foundations with a forward-thinking vision. He was succeeded by Dr. Reza Moazzami, who served until 1978 (1357 Shamsi) and continued along the same path. A major milestone in the Society’s history was the long presidency of Dr. Seyed Ahmad Siahdati, which began in 1984 (1363 Shamsi). Through his dedication and tireless efforts, the Society flourished and reached new heights. After Dr. Siahdati’s passing, Dr. Abbas Momenzadeh assumed leadership for two years, and in 2006 (1385 Shamsi ), Dr. Gholamreza Khatami was elected president. With great enthusiasm, Dr. Khatami worked to elevate the Society’s standing, expanding both its domestic and international activities.
Under Dr. Khatami’s leadership, the Iranian Society of Pediatricians gained a prominent position in international circles, forging academic collaborations with the pediatric societies of Turkey and Italy, and participating in joint conferences. The Society has also played a significant role in policy-making for child health through active engagement with the Iranian Medical Council and the Ministry of Health and Medical Education.
One of the Society’s most enduring initiatives is the “Professor Gharib Memorial Congress,” first held in 1979 (1358 Shamsi ) at the suggestion of Dr. Esfandiar Bodaghi. The congress began with a public announcement in newspapers and aimed to honor the memory and scientific contributions of Professor Gharib. Notable physicians of the time, including Dr. Ali Abtahi, Dr. Nosrat Ouranos, Dr. Gholamreza Baher, Dr. Parvaneh Khalaqi, Dr. Mohammad Hossein Soltanzadeh, and other colleagues, organized the first conference in the autumn of that year. Initially focused on common pediatric issues, this tradition later merged with the Society’s annual scientific sessions and continues to this day.
Today, the Iranian Society of Pediatricians has firmly established its standing both nationally and internationally. Sustained efforts and an unwavering commitment to child health have shaped it into a dynamic and influential institution in pediatric medicine.
Biographies of Past Presidents:
Professor Mohammad Gharib1956–1974 (1335–1353)
Dr. Reza Moazzami1974–1978 (1353–1357)
Dr. Seyed Ahmad Siahdati1984–2004 (1363–1383)
Dr. Abbas Momenzadeh 2004–2006 (1383–1385)
Dr. Gholamreza Khatami2006–2020 (1385–1399)
Dr. Mansour Bahrami 2020–2023 (1399–1402)
Previous Board Members