Welcome to the Department of Internal Medicine
The Department of Internal (General) Medicine at the University of the Free State (UFS) is a cornerstone of adult patient care, clinical training, and medical research. We specialise in the diagnosis, comprehensive management, and non-surgical treatment of diseases affecting the internal organs in adults, delivering care that is evidence-based, patient-centred, and academically grounded.
Comprehensive Adult Medical Care
Internal Medicine is at the forefront of modern clinical practice. As medical knowledge continues to expand, the discipline has developed a range of highly specialised fields. At the UFS, our Department encompasses and supports multiple sub-specialties including:
- Clinical Haematology – disorders of the blood and bone marrow
- Endocrinology – hormone disorders
- Gastroenterology – disorders of the gastrointestinal system
- Geriatrics – disorders of the elderly
- Infectious diseases – viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections
- Nephrology – kidney disease and renal care
- Pulmonology – lung and respiratory diseases
- Rheumatology – conditions affecting joints and connective tissue
The following specialist disciplines provide essential academic and clinical input to the Department’s undergraduate training programme:
- Cardiology – diseases of the heart and cardiovascular system
- Dermatology – disorders of the skin.
- Neurology – disorders of the brain and nervous system
This diverse range of sub-specialities further strengthens our ability to provide integrated, multidisciplinary care while maintaining advanced expertise in complex and specialised conditions.
Training the Next Generation of Physicians
The Department of Internal Medicine plays a central role in medical education at the UFS. We train undergraduate medical students, postgraduate registrars, and sub-specialists within an accredited academic hospital environment.
- Specialist Physician or Internist Training:
A specialist in Internal Medicine is called a specialist physician or an internist and requires four years of postgraduate training, following a basic medical degree.
Sub-specialist Training:
To become a sub-specialist requires a further two to three years training, depending on the sub-specialty.
Our programmes combine rigorous clinical exposure, academic excellence, and mentorship, preparing graduates to lead in both public and private healthcare sectors. Full details are available under Academic Programmes.
Your Future at Internal Medicine
The Department of Internal Medicine offers a career defined by intellectual challenge, clinical excellence, and lasting impact on patient care. It is not merely a specialty; it is the discipline that underpins modern medicine. You will develop a deep understanding of complex diseases, sharpen your diagnostic reasoning, and play a central role in managing some of the most challenging medical conditions across a broad spectrum of adult health. Training with us will equip you with versatility, leadership skills, and a strong academic foundation, opening pathways to subspecialisation, research, and senior clinical roles. If you are driven by curiosity, lifelong learning, and the opportunity to shape the future of healthcare, contact the Department of Internal Medicine for further information.