Iran and other eastern and western neighbor countries and also the Persian Gulf are in the so called thalassemia strip. The vast spreading of the thalassemia disease accompanied by the numerous lacks in diagnosis and treatments can be seen in many newly independent countries of central Asia. Introducing clinical symptoms and manifestations of these diseases to the medical teams has significant importance in early diagnosis of these diseases. Moreover, becoming acquainted with the basic principles of laboratory diagnostics and the basic principles of treating these diseases and considering the existing facilities in each region can significantly help improve life quality and reduce the outbreaks of potential complications in patients.
The hemophilia-thalassemia center of Mashhad (server clinic) is considered a referential and nation-wide center with approximately 400 patients suffering from different thalassemia syndromes including beta thalassemia major, beta thalassemia intermedia, alpha thalassemia, etc. in various age groups. It also gives consultations to every thalassemia patient in the provinces of central Khorasan, North, and South Khorasan and includes daily hematology clinics, transfusion, dentistry, physiotherapy, laboratory, radiology, drugstore, infection clinic, orthopedic, pre-marital consultation units, etc. with a continuous activity history of 12 years. It is considered as one of the active and leading centers in providing services to patients and educating various student groups. There is also enough experience in the field of pre-birth diagnosis and prevention of new intense thalassemia symptoms at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences that can be taught to learners.
One of the most important facts is that the common language of Iran and some regional countries is Persian which facilitates the communication and educational activities.
Therefore, passing short-term courses (approximately 4 weeks) is advised for general practitioners, pediatricians/ internists who are responsible for treating these patients. The courses include:
1. General principles of clinical diagnosis of various thalassemia
2. General principles of laboratory diagnosis of various thalassemia
3. Introduction to various RBC products and the methods of producing, maintaining and applying them using indications for each product.
4. An introduction of blood transfusion programs during various thalassemia
5. Introduction of other necessary cares including the estimation of iron overload
6. An introduction of different chelation drugs, application indications for each drug alongside the side-effects, and necessary cares for each drug.
7. Managing potential complications such as blood transmitted infections, diabetes, heart problems etc.
8. Principles of pre-birth diagnosis and pre-marital consultations
9. Principles of bone marrow transplant in thalassemia

1- Classes and conferences upon entering
2- Daily attendance at the hematology clinic and transfusion unit
3- Presentation of student conferences (two cases)
4- Blood bank - one week
5- Pre-birth diagnosis lab – 3 days
6- Pre-marital consultation clinic – 2 days a week
7- Infection clinic – once a week
8- Heart clinic – once a week
9- Hematology lab – 3 days a week