Faculty of Health Sciences
Prof Eric Buch, Dean
Telephone number: 012 354 2386
Fax number: 012 329 1351
E-mail address: e.buch@up.ac.za
Message by the Dean
The Faculty of Health Sciences makes a contribution
to health and science through research into diverse
topics, ranging from diabetes, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS
and malaria to the development of anti-cancer drugs.
Research in the Faculty is locally relevant and yet
internationally competitive, and the number of NRF-
rated scientists is growing.
The Faculty is proud of the internationally recognised
research programmes conducted by its scientists and
of the many complementary efforts in clinical science
and clinical care conducted by the Faculty. There are
two South African Medical Research Council (MRC)
research units in the Faculty: one focusing on various
aspects of inflammation and one on maternal and child
health care. These two units illustrate the diversity
of the Faculty, not only in areas of focus, but also in
illustrating that its research varies from laboratory-
based, cutting-edge science to finding solutions to the
burden of disease in Africa.
In the School of Medicine, there are many exciting
projects done by groups focusing on the development
of new cancer drugs, the testing of novel agents for
the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) and investigating the
role of the gastrointestinal tract in the pathogenesis
of HIV. Multidisciplinary research is also conducted
in improving diabetes care. Two active research
centres in the School of Medicine are the Forensic
Anthropology Research Centre (FARC) and the Centre
for Applied Morphology.
The School of Health Systems and Public Health
(SHSPH) has a keen interest in endocrine-disrupting
chemicals (EDCs) and pesticides used for malaria vector control. The development of biological assays for analyses
of oestrogenic and anti-androgenic activity in water sources has led to guidelines to be used by the Department of
Water Affairs. This was made possible by the new dedicated EDC and toxicology laboratories at the SHSPH.
The School of Dentistry has researched tobacco control and the impact of tobacco use on health in general and
oral health in particular. An integrated educational approach to promote oral health and prevent tobacco use by
schoolchildren in South Africa was proposed by the Department of Community Dentistry.
The Comprehensive Physical Rehabilitation Centre in the School of Health Care Sciences ensures collaboration
between the departments of Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Human Nutrition, Sports Medicine and Clinical
Epidemiology, and addresses several challenges in patients with disabilities through high-quality research.
During 2010, Faculty staff and students pursued solutions with vision and dedication that will improve the health of
all South Africans. The Faculty looks forward to enthusiastically continue to grow and diversify its interdisciplinary
programmes of scientific discovery towards better serving its patients, the country and the continent in the future.
With the support of the University, the Faculty of Health Sciences is committed to grow research and support the
development of master’s and PhD students and young staff members. Despite the challenges of a service load,
innovative strategies will be put in place to stimulate research and to strengthen identified research themes and
initiatives.
Prof Eric Buch
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