College Welcomes Ebrahim Talaee, PhD, as New Assistant Dean for Assessment and Evaluation

Ebrahim Talaee, PhD, has joined the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix as the assistant dean for Assessment and Evaluation. As part of a unit with oversight of educational and regulatory function spanning all four years of undergraduate medical education, he will report to the associate dean of Educational Affairs.  

"We conducted an extensive national search and are fortunate to have recruited Dr. Talaee. His expertise and experience will allow for a data driven approach to process improvement and new initiatives," said Ranita Sharma, MD, executive vice dean at College of Medicine – Phoenix.

Dr. Talaee joins the college from the School of Medicine at Toronto Metropolitan University, where he served as the inaugural director of assessment. He and his team built their program from launch to initial accreditation, collaborating with a multitude of key stakeholders.

Well versed in all aspects of assessment, evaluation, data visualization, analytics and continuous quality improvement within a competency based educational framework, Dr. Talaee has introduced and led the use of AI-assisted tools, digital scoring systems, and item-banking software to modernize assessment practices and support real-time feedback.

Dr. Talaee holds a master’s degree in educational research methodologies, and he received his PhD in educational studies from the University of Oxford, UK. His experience spans the spectrum of higher education and includes fellowships in Germany, the Netherlands and — more recently — as a Hubert Humphrey Fellow at Pennsylvania State University.