Mission Statement
The Iranian American Medical Association (IAMA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established for charitable and educational purposes. Its mission is to provide financial assistance to students pursuing careers in medicine and to deliver healthcare support to underserved Iranian communities.
To advance these goals, IAMA calls upon all Iranians and individuals of Iranian descent in the medical field across the United States to unite, support one another, and cultivate a strong collective voice.
IAMA IS A SCIENTIC,
NON-PROFIT, 501 (c) (3)
NON- RELIGIOUS,
NON-POLITICAL AND
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION
IAMA is committed to democratic governance. To ensure inclusivity and local autonomy, state chapters and sections have been established. These chapters are empowered to manage their internal affairs independently of the central administration. Please refer to the IAMA Bylaws for further details.
As part of its educational mandate, IAMA hosts an annual meeting featuring Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs. These activities are documented and shared through the IAMA Bulletin. In addition, IAMA chapters sponsor Public Awareness Seminars across the U.S. to inform and educate Iranian communities on a wide range of medical topics, while also addressing their healthcare needs—including medical, dental, and mental health concerns.
IAMA actively contributes to humanitarian and professional relief efforts, particularly in times of crisis. Following the devastating earthquake in Bam, Iran—which claimed the lives of more than 28,000 people—IAMA committed to establishing a comprehensive medical facility in the region. The result of this pledge is the IAMA Medical Center in Bam, developed in collaboration with Bam University Medical School. This center includes a modern medical clinic, a minor surgery unit, a counseling center, and a dental care facility, all providing free services to those in need.
Through these efforts, IAMA continues to inspire and mobilize Iranian American healthcare professionals in pursuit of its mission. As a nonprofit, apolitical, secular, non-racial, and gender-neutral organization, IAMA welcomes all who share its values.
Join your organization—join IAMA.
Our History
WHAT IS IAMA?
IAMA stands for the Iranian American Medical Association.
WHO WERE THE FOUNDERS OF IAMA?
- Vida, M.D., S. Ahkami, M.D.,Â
- Ganchi, M.D., M. Pajoohi, M.D.,Â
- Khanmohammadi, M.D.Â
- Zamani, M.D., P. Zand, M.DÂ
WHEN WAS IAMA FOUNDED?Â
It was founded in 1993
WHAT HAS BEEN DONE?
Annual Medical Conferences nationwide, with AMA-CME category one credits.
Establishment of the "IAMA Medical Center" in the city of Bam in Iran, after the 2003 devastating earthquake of Bam. The land of IAMA Medical Center was generously donated by the Chair of City Council of Bam. Currently, this Medical Center is affiliated with Bam University, which was stablished several years later. Our Medical Center in Bam consists of a medical facility with a modern minor surgery room, a dental division and a counseling center. This project was entirely funded by the generous donations from our IAMA members.
Establishment of Chapters nationwide in the states of California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Texas with the vision of expansion.
Establishment of Sections such as Dental, Psychiatry (SIPNA), Pharmacy, SUSMA, Javan, and Allied Health.
IAMA is registered as a 501 (c) (3) and has an OFAC license with a legal permit to send monetary aide for humanitarian assistance worldwide.
Educational trips to Iran: Establishment of the first scientific relationship with different Iranian universities for advanced laparoscopic techniques and innovative procedure of pre peritoneal space technique in laparoscopic surgeries in Kerman University. Performance of the first few Liver Transplants in Mashhad, performance of the first Pancreas Transplant in Tehran, collaboration with Liver Transplant Center in Shiraz, arranging teaching courses in Trauma Triage, Basic and Advanced Life Support, numerous medical lectures at different universities, introducing advanced technology of laparoscopy and endoscopy to various universities of Iran, such as Mashhad, Tehran, and Kerman.
Establishment of IAMA's Interest Section in Iran, which runs by a group of reputable and trusted Iranians who formed an NGO and oversee the daily activities of IAMA in Iran, including distribution of funds raised for the construction and maintenance of the gratuity Bam Medical Clinic, Kermanshah earthquake victims, and Shiraz flash flood victims. IAMA has facilitated trips of several Iranian physicians, involved in transplantation, to visit the Louisiana State University Transplant Program and New York hospitals. IAMA members have also performed medical missionary trips to underprivileged areas of countries such as Honduras and Egypt.
IAMA has written a letter to the ECFMG administration in advocacy for the rights of our younger generations in the medical profession, participating in the USMLE exams, which were banned due to sanctions. The decision was reversed in less than 24 hours.
IAMA has also written a letter to the White House, requesting to lift the Travel Ban affecting our educated younger generations who dream of coming to the US and contributing to our society, as well as those who are already here on student visas and were at the verge of deportation to be exempted from this order. This request was accompanied by strong and tangible supportive documents about Iranian Americans in high positions serving our country in businesses, hospitals, and other affluent positions.
IAMA is recognized as a reputable and official Association by the Department of Health in the US and Iran.
IAMA Medical Center in Bam, Iran
Establishing the IAMA Medical Center
Following the devastating 2003 Bam earthquake, which claimed 28,000 lives, IAMA set out to build a medical center to provide free healthcare to those in need.
Securing Land & Building the Clinic
Thanks to Dr. A. Esmaeili and the Bam City Council, IAMA received two acres of donated land within an educational and medical district. Permits for construction were expedited with the support of Engineer Ali Bagherizadeh, then Mayor of Bam. Once completed, the clinic was leased to the University of Bam, which equipped the facility in exchange for its use as a medical teaching center.
Formation of IAMA-NGO in Iran
To secure the property deed, IAMA established an NGO in Bam—a complex, three-year process requiring government approvals and background checks for board members. Special thanks go to Dr. A. Esmaeili and Dr. A. Maghsoudi for their dedication in navigating these challenges.
Board Members
- Board of Trustees (BoT): Dr. A. M. Mirzaie (Chair), Dr. A. Aba-Sahl, Dr. A. Esmaeili, Dr. R. Farid Hosseini, Dr. A. Ganchi, Dr. A. Maghsoudi, Dr. A. M. Mirfakhraie, Dr. J. Moshirpur, Engineer V. Sabbaghian.
- Board of Directors (BoD): Dr. A. Aba-Sahl, Dr. J. Baharmast, Dr. A. Esmaeili, Dr. Armita Esmaeili, Dr. A. Ganchi, Dr. A. Kazerooni, Dr. A. M. Mirfakhraie, Dr. J. Mirfakhraie, Dr. J. Sharifi, Engineer V. Sabbaghian.
Maintaining Humanitarian Support
IAMA continues to maintain its OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) permit, allowing the transfer of funds and medical equipment to Iran for humanitarian purposes.
Gratitude & Acknowledgments
On behalf of IAMA, heartfelt thanks go to all board members, especially Dr. A. Esmaeili and Dr. A. Maghsoudi, for their unwavering commitment and efforts.
Amir Ganchi, MD
Founder, IAMA
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