Excellence in Research Award
Foroozan Afsharchi
Old Dominion University, United States
| Foroozan Afsharchi |
| Affiliation |
Old Dominion University |
| Country |
United States |
| ORCID |
0009-0001-0510-1148 |
| Document |
1 |
| Subject Area |
Health Professions |
| Event |
Top Teachers Awards |
Foroozan Afsharchi is a physician, educator, and academic leader whose professional activities encompass family medicine, medical education, quality improvement, student health administration, and clinical mentorship. Her academic and clinical career includes appointments in both the United States and Iran, with sustained contributions to healthcare quality initiatives, student wellness programs, and evidence-based medical practice. Her scholarly profile reflects engagement in health professions education and research focused on factors influencing medical student well-being and educational outcomes.[1][2]
Abstract
This article presents an academic overview of Foroozan Afsharchi’s professional achievements, educational background, clinical leadership roles, scholarly activities, and contributions to health professions education. Her career integrates patient care, academic instruction, quality improvement initiatives, and mentorship of future healthcare professionals. Recent scholarly work addressing anxiety, depression, and student debt burden among medical students contributes to contemporary discussions regarding learner wellness and medical education outcomes.[2]
Keywords
Family Medicine; Medical Education; Health Professions; Student Health; Quality Improvement; Clinical Mentorship; Medical Student Wellness; Academic Leadership; Primary Care; Research Excellence.
Introduction
Foroozan Afsharchi has developed a multidisciplinary career spanning clinical medicine, academic instruction, administrative leadership, and healthcare quality management. Her work has been associated with family medicine practice, student health services, and educational mentorship. Through academic appointments and leadership positions, she has contributed to the training and professional development of medical students, physician assistants, and nurse practitioner students while supporting evidence-based approaches to healthcare delivery.[1]
Research Profile
Dr. Foroozan Afsharchi earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services and subsequently completed a Family Medicine Residency at Riverside Regional Medical Center in collaboration with Virginia Commonwealth University. Her academic appointments have included service as Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine at Fatemieh Medical School and Assistant Professor within the Department of Family and Community Medicine at Virginia Health Sciences–Old Dominion University.[1]
- Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Virginia Health Sciences–Old Dominion University.
- Medical Director of Student Health, Virginia Health Sciences–Old Dominion University.
- Diplomate, American Board of Family Medicine.
- Active member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Medical Association.
Research Contributions
Dr. Foroozan Afsharchi’s scholarly and professional contributions extend beyond traditional research publication and include quality improvement projects, healthcare performance initiatives, student health advancement, and educational mentorship. Her involvement in depression screening implementation, hypertension management programs, statin therapy initiatives, diabetes quality measures, and patient-centered medical home activities reflects a commitment to translating evidence into clinical practice.[1]
- Leadership in clinical quality improvement initiatives across primary care settings.
- Mentorship of medical students conducting clinical research activities.
- Educational presentations addressing diagnostic medicine, pediatric disorders, and primary care topics.
- Support for evidence-based healthcare delivery and preventive medicine programs.
Publications
A notable scholarly contribution by Dr. Foroozan Afsharchi investigates the prevalence and correlates of anxiety and depression symptoms among medical students, emphasizing the role of student debt burden in learner well-being. The study contributes to ongoing research regarding mental health challenges within medical education and the institutional factors associated with student outcomes.[2]
- Afsharchi F., Edwards J.F., Ram K.S., Huang J., Hale V., El Moudden I. (2026). Prevalence and Correlates of Anxiety and Depression Symptoms Among Medical Students: The Role of Student Debt Burden. Journal of Medical Education and Curricular Development.
Research Impact
The impact of Dr. Foroozan Afsharchi’s professional work is reflected through a combination of educational leadership, healthcare quality improvement, student mentorship, and scholarly inquiry. Her involvement in medical student wellness research aligns with contemporary priorities in academic medicine, while her quality improvement activities have supported enhanced clinical performance measures and preventive care outcomes. Recognition from the National Committee for Quality Assurance and institutional awards further demonstrate professional engagement in healthcare excellence.[1]
Award Suitability
Foroozan Afsharchi’s record of academic service, clinical leadership, educational mentorship, and scholarly contribution demonstrates characteristics commonly associated with recognition in research and professional achievement programs. Her integration of patient care, healthcare quality initiatives, and research addressing medical student wellness illustrates a balanced portfolio of academic and professional accomplishments relevant to the objectives of the Excellence in Research Award. The combination of educational leadership, quality improvement participation, and peer-reviewed scholarship supports consideration for recognition within health professions education and applied clinical research.[1][2]
Conclusion
Dr. Foroozan Afsharchi’s career reflects sustained engagement in family medicine, medical education, student health administration, quality improvement, and scholarly activity. Through leadership roles, educational mentorship, and research contributions, she has participated in advancing healthcare quality and supporting learner development. Her professional record provides a documented example of interdisciplinary engagement across clinical practice, education, and academic service.[1][2]
External Links
References
- ORCID. (n.d.). ORCID profile: Foroozan Afsharchi (ORCID: 0009-0001-0510-1148). https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0510-1148
- Afsharchi, F., Edwards, J.F., Ram, K.S., Huang, J., Hale, V., & El Moudden, I. (2026). Prevalence and Correlates of Anxiety and Depression Symptoms Among Medical Students: The Role of Student Debt Burden. Journal of Medical Education and Curricular Development. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/23821205261449382