Division of Pulmonology
Teaching and Learning
Undergraduate offering
The Division of Pulmonology is involved in teaching undergraduate medical students throughout their 6 years of training. They are involved in laying down the theoretical foundations during the formative years and guiding clinical exposure in the latter years of internal medicine training. Students gain exposure to various aspects of pulmonology, including the diagnostic tests more specific to the discipline, such as chest radiology, pulmonary function testing and endobronchial procedures. They are also guided in the clinical management of pulmonology patients and rotate through our sub-specialist clinics where they experience the wide array of South African respiratory pathologies.
Postgraduate offering
Postgraduate training includes structured rotational programmes for medical registrars specializing in internal medicine and for pulmonology fellows sub-specializing in adult pulmonology. Both these emphasize hands-on clinical experience and advanced training in respiratory medicine directed at either the physician or pulmonologist level. Training within pulmonology is parallelled by training in critical care with the goal of competence in the management of complex medical or surgical patients requiring advanced organ support and ancillary therapies.
The Division boasts one of the continent’s most advanced bronchoscopic suites with state-of-the-art equipment. Fellows are competent in an array of advanced endobronchial and transthoracic diagnostic procedures upon completion of training. Research opportunities to further academic progress through master’s and doctoral studies are also supported by the Division.
Structured learning activities, as well as examination readiness and preparation, are built into these rotations and provide the platform for our candidates to complete their training at the highest standard.
The Division emphasizes collaboration and mentorship, fostering a supportive environment for both clinical practice and research. This structured approach to education, research, and clinical service underscores the Division's commitment to advancing the field of pulmonology and critical care and improving patient outcomes at Tygerberg Hospital.
Short courses
The Division may offer short courses aimed at healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in specific areas such as development of research skills and thoracic ultrasound. Many leadership and management courses are also available to Divisional staff through the university.