The Discipline of Medical Pathology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s School of Medicine serves as an umbrella category that encompasses several diagnostic and laboratory-based disciplines. These include anatomical pathology, chemical pathology, and Forensic Pathology, each contributing to the understanding, detection, and management of disease. Through integrated research, training, and clinical services, the Discipline of Medical Pathology plays a central role in advancing healthcare.
The Anatomical Pathology Department at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) plays a pivotal role in providing diagnostic, educational, and research services to the public sector, specifically the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health (KZN DOH).
Chemical Pathology is a joint UKZN- NHLS (National Health Laboratory Service) department and is part of the School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences within the College of Health Sciences. It provides diagnostic laboratory services for the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital and the King Edward VIII Hospital as well as several peripheral hospitals.
Forensic Pathology plays an important role in preventative medicine by being involved in accident investigation (injuries at work, aircraft and road traffic accident investigation). The expertise of forensic pathologists is also applied in traumatology to the detection and prevention of torture and human rights abuses
