On March 9th, 2011, the eminent scholar of Iranian studies, historian, bibliographer, Persian manuscript expert, journalist, biographer and writer, Iraj Afshar passed away at the age of 85 in Tehran. His demise was a great loss to Iranian culture. He edited or wrote around 300 books in various fields of Iranian studies, including the history of medicine in Iran and published more than 2000 papers in local and international journals. The late Afshar was considered as a world-class Iranologist who promoted Persian culture for over five decades and had profitable mutual worldwide connection with famed scholars in the field of Iranian studies and pertinent international societies. Herein is a brief look at his life and career, with special focus on his works in the field of the history of medicine in Iran.