David Van Velden, MD

Dr. David P. van Velden is the founder of the Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care of the University of Stellenbosch.  Since his retirement he still maintains close links with academia through a part-time appointment as senior researcher and lecturer at the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Stellenbosch, promoting research in the field of the health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption, as well as the role of exercise and diet in the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases. 

Dr. van Velden has also received a M Prax Med (Masters in Family Medicine) degree and a M Phil (Journalism) degree.  He contributes actively to the field of scientific reporting by translating scientific articles into understandable format for lay people.  Dr. van Velden has been an invited speaker at numerous national and international scientific meetings and is a regular presenter and facilitator of CPD accredited lectures, and radio and TV presentations on health- and disease-related matters.  He is still an active recreational and competitive cyclist.