Overview

Geriatric Medicine Division Overview

Geriatric Medicine is a medical specialty focused on the health and well-being of older adults. It aims to improve quality of life by preventing and managing age-related diseases, maintaining independence, and addressing the complex physical, mental, and social needs that often accompany aging. Geriatricians work closely with multidisciplinary teams to provide holistic care both in hospitals and community settings.

At Wits University, the Division of Geriatric Medicine plays a leading role in teaching, training, research, and service delivery for elderly patient care. Despite being a small unit, it has grown to become the largest training and service delivery centre for geriatric medicine in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The division provides undergraduate and postgraduate training for students and registrars across South Africa, offers regular tutorials and national masterclasses, and supports fellowship and diploma programs through the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa. Clinically, it manages thousands of inpatients and outpatients each year across Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, Helen Joseph Hospital, and Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital, while also providing outreach support to frail care homes and community facilities.

Beyond clinical care, the division is actively involved in professional development, running webinars, seminars, and collaborative workshops in partnership with national organizations. It also contributes to important research initiatives such as the Health and Aging in Africa (HAALSI) study and has established innovative services such as Gauteng’s first Fracture Liaison Service.

Through its commitment to education, research, and compassionate care, the Division of Geriatric Medicine continues to strengthen its national and regional impact on the health and dignity of older adults.