Medicine

At the Department of Medicine, our every effort – whether in training, research, or patient care – is driven by a single, steadfast goal: improving health outcomes for all. We mentor the next generation of medical professionals through rigorous, hands-on education, conduct research that pushes the boundaries of current treatments and deliver high-quality patient care that directly benefits individuals and communities. For us, medicine is not solely about innovation and expertise; it’s fundamentally about the people it serves.

The Department of Medicine consists of several divisions, namely, Clinical Pharmacology, Dermatology, Infectious Diseases, Internal Medicine, Cardiology (with its Centre, SUNHEART), Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Haematology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, Medical Ethics & Law, Neurology and Pulmonology.

We also preside over specialised units, namely Geriatric Medicine, Genetic and Molecular Diseases and Experimental Medicine.

Our commitment to evidence-based practice, continuous learning and meaningful contributions to healthcare underpins everything we do. By integrating cutting-edge research with compassionate clinical care, we ensure our work has a lasting, transformative impact. Our approach advances the science of medicine and strengthens our resolve to build healthier communities, creating a legacy of excellence and care for generations to come.

Contact details
Phone: +27 21 938 9044
E-mail: [email protected]

Physical address
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Francie van Zijl Drive
Parow
Cape Town

“Our approach advances the science of medicine and strengthens our resolve to build healthier communities.”

Our programmes

Cardiology

The division offers a full spectrum of cardiac care, including a 25-bed coronary care unit, cardiac catheterisation and echocardiography labs. SUNHEART, a dedicated cardiology initiative, extends training and services to underserved communities.

Clinical Pharmacology

This division is critical to patient safety and education. It optimises medication use, provides a poison information service and offers therapeutic drug monitoring.

Dermatology

Dermatology specialises in skin, hair and nail conditions. It uses medical and surgical approaches to treat patients of all ages.

Endocrinology

The Endocrinology division has shaped endocrine care in South Africa for over 40 years and continues to drive innovation in research and treatment. It is a leader in managing diabetes, obesity and osteoporosis.

Gastroenterology

This division is a key centre for gastroenterology and hepatology. It provides advanced diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, liver disease management and postgraduate training.

Haematology

In close collaboration with Haematopathology, this division provides specialised care for blood disorders, including an 8-bed special care unit.

Infectious Diseases

This division focuses on HIV, tuberculosis and antimicrobial resistance. It integrates education, clinical services and research to combat infectious diseases at all levels of care.

Internal Medicine

The largest division in the department. Internal Medicine handles emergency, inpatient and outpatient care and has a strong outreach programme in regional hospitals. Internal Medicine also offers a robust postgraduate training platform.

Medical Ethics and Law

The division integrates ethical integrity and legal responsibility into all aspects of healthcare. It leads in research and education on informed consent, patient rights and healthcare accountability, shaping national policy and professional practice.

Nephrology

With dialysis and renal transplant services at Tygerberg Hospital and beyond, the division actively engages in postgraduate education and cutting-edge kidney disease research.

Neurology

This division is a centre of excellence for neurophysiology, movement disorders and neurogenetics. It offers specialist training and internationally recognised research.

Pulmonology

This division combines hands-on medical training from respiratory health to critical care with state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, including Africa’s most advanced bronchoscopic suite.

Rheumatology

This division focuses on immune-mediated inflammatory and musculoskeletal diseases. It offers specialised clinical care, research and training, working closely with other disciplines to ensure a holistic, patient-centred approach.