The Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics focuses on the prevention, diagnosis and management of diseases affecting adult patients. It covers a wide range of subspecialties, including cardiology, pulmonology, endocrinology, nephrology and infectious diseases. By combining theoretical instruction with hands-on clinical training and research, the Department equips students with the skills necessary for comprehensive, patient-centred care.
Mission
To advance medical education, research and patient care by training future physicians in the prevention, diagnosis and management of adult diseases through evidence-based medicine and innovative healthcare solutions.
Vision
To be a centre of excellence in internal medicine education and research, fostering the development of skilled, compassionate and competent physicians who contribute to global healthcare advancements.
Functions
The Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics is dedicated to training future physicians who possess strong clinical reasoning abilities, advanced diagnostic skills and a deep commitment to patient-centred care. Its functions are strategically designed to prepare students for the complexities of managing adult medical conditions by integrating academic learning, clinical exposure, research engagement and ethical practice.
A core function of the Department is to develop students’ clinical reasoning and problem-solving capabilities. Through carefully structured learning experiences, students are taught to gather and interpret patient histories, conduct comprehensive physical examinations, synthesise clinical findings and formulate accurate differential diagnoses. This process is reinforced in real-world settings, with students receiving extensive exposure across hospital wards, outpatient clinics, emergency departments and specialist units, allowing them to engage with diverse patient populations and a broad spectrum of medical conditions.
The Department ensures that students gain in-depth knowledge of internal medicine subspecialties, including cardiology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, nephrology, endocrinology, haematology, infectious diseases and rheumatology. This exposure equips graduates with the versatility to manage both acute and chronic illnesses while addressing the complex interplay between co-existing conditions. Students are trained to monitor disease progression, interpret laboratory and imaging results and apply evidence-based treatment protocols tailored to individual patient needs.
Research forms a vital component of the Department’s functions. Faculty and students collaborate on studies focusing on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of prevalent and emerging diseases. Research areas include cardiovascular health, respiratory disorders, gastrointestinal pathologies, metabolic and endocrine dysfunctions and infectious diseases of public health significance. These projects contribute to local and global medical knowledge, while also shaping clinical guidelines and informing public health interventions.
Preventive medicine and health promotion are also prioritised. The Department develops and implements community outreach programmes that educate the public on lifestyle modification, early disease detection, vaccination and chronic disease management. By engaging in these initiatives, students learn the value of preventive strategies in reducing the burden of disease and promoting long-term health outcomes.
Interdisciplinary collaboration is actively fostered, with the Department working closely with other medical and surgical specialties, nursing, pharmacy and allied health sciences professionals. This team-based approach ensures that patient care is holistic, coordinated and responsive to the multifaceted needs of each individual.
The Department also places significant emphasis on the humanistic aspects of medical practice. Students are trained in effective patient communication, cultural sensitivity and shared decision-making, ensuring that medical interventions align with patient values and preferences. Ethical practice is embedded into every aspect of training, enabling graduates to navigate complex clinical dilemmas with professionalism and integrity.
Through this comprehensive approach, the Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics produces graduates who are not only clinically competent but also empathetic, research-informed and committed to advancing healthcare delivery. Equipped with the skills to adapt to evolving medical challenges, they are prepared to serve as leaders in both clinical and academic settings, improving health outcomes within Ghana and beyond.