The Department was officially started as an independent department in the then HF Verwoerd Hospital (now known as Steve Biko Academic Hospital) in 1966.  In 1968, the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria created the first independent department of Medical Oncology in South Africa under the auspices of Prof Geoffrey Falkson.  The department remains the only Independent Department of Medical Oncology in South Africa to date. 

Prof Carla I Falkson took over as Head of Department on Prof G Falkson’s retirement until 2001, where she left to take up a position at the University of Alabama, USA. 

Dr CF Slabber took over as Acting Head until Prof LM Dreosti was appointed in August 2006 and Chief Specialist / Head of Department of Medical Oncology.