The Journal of Medical Education and Development

Introduction: Evaluation of the educational system and awareness of strengths, weaknesses and shortcomings in the educational process is important for deputies for research. Martyrs’ and Veterans’ family members are entitled to continue ther education in Iranian universities using their own quota. This study aims to evaluate educational status of martyr and veteran students (MVS) enrold in  Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences from 2005-2010.

Methods: This study undertook on 959 students who enrolled using the veteran and martyr quota. 770 non- martyr students who enroled in Yazd Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences were compared to them. A Cross-sectional study compared the two groups. They were matched for gender and field of study. Demographics and information of students, were extracted from the registerar database (SAMA) and student records from martyr and veteran students database.

Result: Over the period of five years, the students progressed significantly, of their GPA raised from 14.7/20  in 2005 to 15.4/20 in year 2010. The average GPA of  non- martyr students 15.9 ±2/7. significantly more than MVS 0.2±1/86. p<0.05). However compariing   the point-to-point GPA in the two groups revealed that In the fifth semester, there was only 0.5/20 marks difference between their mean average (p<0.05).  The same difference was observed in both sexes.

Conclusion: On average, GPA of  MVS are 0.5/20 grade less than other students. With further support and coaching this difference may disappear soon.