Thalassemia and sickle cell disease are important hemoglobinopathies that impose a substantial burden of care in Iran and the wider region. Despite the success of thalassemia prevention programs in Iran, affected individuals require timely diagnosis, longitudinal care, complication management, genetic counseling, and appropriate referral. Geographic variation in the prevalence of thalassemia and sickle cell disease—particularly in southern and southwestern Iran—underscores the need for medical education that is responsive to local health priorities.

Education on hemoglobinopathies should extend beyond theoretical genetics and the classification of anemias. Medical students and postgraduate trainees should develop competence in interpreting laboratory findings; differentiating thalassemia from iron deficiency; recognizing transfusion-related complications, iron overload, and sickle cell disease emergencies; providing initial genetic counseling; and arranging timely referral. Longitudinal, regionally responsive curricular integration—supported by case-based learning, team-based learning, clinical simulation, and structured patient encounters—may help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical readiness.