Roshanak Ghods

Biography and Expertise of Roshanak Ghods

Dr. Roshanak Ghods is a distinguished academic whose work builds a crucial bridge between the ancient wisdom of Persian Medicine and the cutting-edge field of modern data science. As an Assistant Professor at the Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS) and a key faculty member in its School of Persian Medicine, she applies her profound expertise in biostatistics to decode, validate, and innovate upon traditional therapeutic strategies. Her unique dual specialization allows her to translate historical medical knowledge into scientifically robust, evidence-based applications for today’s health crises.

Her research strongly supports the 3rd WCTCIM’s thematic axis on “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based).” Dr. Ghods focuses on creating and implementing sophisticated analytical models, including artificial intelligence, to develop personalized treatment protocols for chronic conditions such as diabetes. Therefore, her work is a direct response to the Gujarat Declaration’s call for scientific validation of traditional practices. By demonstrating how data can unlock the potential of herbal medicine, she champions the congress motto pillar of “Knowledge Diversity,” showcasing a powerful synergy between different epistemic traditions.

Moreover, the contributions of Roshanak Ghods are instrumental in advancing the integration of TCIM into mainstream healthcare systems. She not only publishes her findings in high-impact journals but also develops practical tools, like clinical decision support systems, designed for use by healthcare providers. This commitment to translational research ensures that her discoveries move from the laboratory to the clinic, offering new, effective, and personalized options for patient care.

Professional Career

Dr. Roshanak Ghods has an impactful career centered on integrating biostatistics with traditional medicine research. Her work at the Iran University of Medical Sciences shows growing leadership and expertise. She works to establish rigorous quantitative methodologies as a standard for Persian Medicine, enhancing its credibility and efficacy.

Each of her roles reflects a deep commitment to this mission, from direct research to academic leadership and international collaboration. Her professional journey is a model for how specialized skills can validate traditional knowledge systems for global health.

• December 2016 – Present: Assistant Professor at the School of Persian Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS). In this core faculty role, she teaches, supervises research, and leads initiatives to integrate biostatistics into the curriculum and research programs.
• Concurrent Role: Head of the Biostatistics Group within the School of Persian Medicine. Dr. Ghods guides the department’s quantitative research strategy, ensuring all studies meet high standards of methodological rigor and statistical validity.
• Concurrent Role: Biostatistician at the Research Institute for Islamic and Complementary Medicine, IUMS. She provides expert consultation on study design, data analysis, and interpretation for projects focused on complementary and traditional medicine.
• International Collaboration: Mentor for data science collaborations with the World Health Organization (WHO) Traditional Medicine program. This role involves advising on global data standards and analytical approaches for TCIM research.

Academic Qualifications

The academic foundation of Dr. Roshanak Ghods is firmly rooted in the rigorous discipline of statistics, providing her with the essential tools to pursue her innovative research agenda. Her educational journey reflects a dedicated focus on mastering the quantitative sciences, which she now applies to the complex and nuanced field of traditional medicine. This extensive training in biostatistics is the cornerstone of her ability to design robust clinical trials and develop sophisticated predictive models.

Her progression through multiple esteemed institutions in Iran provided her with a comprehensive and deep understanding of statistical theory and its practical application in health sciences. This background uniquely positions her to address the methodological challenges inherent in studying traditional medical systems.

• 2016 – PhD in Biostatistics, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran: Her doctoral research solidified her expertise in advanced statistical modeling and its application to complex medical data, preparing her for a career in high-level academic research.
• 2011 – Master of Science in Biostatistics, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences: This degree deepened her skills in the specific statistical methods used in public health and clinical studies, focusing on practical applications for health interventions.
• 2008 – Bachelor of Science in Statistics, Shahid Beheshti University: Her undergraduate education provided the fundamental knowledge of probability theory, mathematical statistics, and data analysis that underpins her entire career.

Research and Publications

Dr. Roshanak Ghods is a prolific researcher with over 40 publications that showcase her commitment to building an evidence base for Persian Medicine. Her research program is characterized by its innovative use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced biostatistical methods to analyze traditional remedies and treatment paradigms. Her primary focus is on developing personalized medicine protocols for chronic non-communicable diseases, a major global health burden. Through her work, she transforms ancient therapeutic concepts into testable hypotheses and validated clinical tools.

A cornerstone of her research involves the creation of clinical decision support systems. For instance, she leads a significant project funded by the Iran National Science Foundation (INSF) to develop an AI-based system for personalized pre-diabetes management from the perspective of Persian Medicine. This initiative exemplifies the translation of research into practical technology for clinicians. Therefore, her work is pivotal in making traditional medicine more accessible, reliable, and integrated into modern healthcare workflows.

Furthermore, Dr. Ghods actively designs and participates in rigorous clinical trials. A notable example is her co-authorship of a triple-blind randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of *Melissa officinalis L.* (lemon balm) on anxiety and sleep quality in patients with type 2 diabetes. This type of high-quality research by Roshanak Ghods contributes directly to the global evidence base, demonstrating the therapeutic potential of specific herbal interventions under controlled conditions.

Leadership and Recognitions

The expertise and leadership of Dr. Roshanak Ghods have been formally recognized through prestigious grant funding and appointments to influential roles both nationally and internationally. These recognitions highlight her standing as a leading authority in the application of data science to traditional medicine and underscore the significance of her pioneering research. They reflect a high level of trust from scientific bodies in her ability to produce impactful and innovative work.

These honors are not merely personal accolades but also validations of the research direction she champions. Consequently, they help to elevate the field of evidence-based traditional medicine, attracting further talent and investment into this critical area of healthcare research.

• Iran National Science Foundation (INSF) Grant Recipient: Dr. Ghods was awarded a competitive national grant to lead the “Development of a clinical decision support system for personalized recommendations in pre-diabetes management from the perspective of Persian Medicine.” This funding from a premier scientific body signifies national recognition of her research’s importance and potential impact.
• World Health Organization (WHO) Mentorship Role: Her selection as a mentor for data science collaborations within the WHO’s Traditional Medicine program is a significant international acknowledgment of her specialized expertise. In this capacity, she helps shape global standards and build capacity for TCIM research worldwide.

Governance and Strategic Guidance

Beyond her research and teaching, Dr. Roshanak Ghods plays a vital role in the strategic governance and academic direction of her institution. Her leadership positions allow her to shape the future of traditional medicine research and education, ensuring that quantitative rigor and evidence-based principles are embedded at a systemic level. These roles demonstrate a commitment to building sustainable academic structures for the advancement of integrative health.

Her involvement in these capacities ensures that the integration of data science and Persian Medicine is not just a feature of her own research but a core component of her department’s identity and strategy. Therefore, her work contributes to creating a lasting framework for future generations of researchers and clinicians.

• Head of the Biostatistics Group, School of Persian Medicine (IUMS): In this key leadership position, Dr. Ghods is responsible for overseeing the entire quantitative research portfolio of the department. She provides strategic guidance on methodological standards, supervises junior researchers, and ensures that all projects are designed and executed with the highest level of statistical integrity.
• Mentor and Advisor for International Research Collaborations: Her mentorship with the World Health Organization (WHO) involves active participation in guiding data-driven projects in traditional medicine. This advisory role contributes to the development of global best practices and fosters a culture of high-quality, evidence-based research across different countries and medical traditions, reflecting the spirit of South-South collaboration championed by the 3rd WCTCIM.

Connect with Dr. Ghods

To further explore the research, publications, and professional activities of Dr. Roshanak Ghods, several online resources are available. These profiles provide a comprehensive overview of her scholarly contributions and her ongoing work at the intersection of biostatistics and Persian Medicine. They offer direct access to her published papers and academic history.

University Faculty Page: View Official Profile at IUMS

Google Scholar Profile: View Publications and Citations