Dr Bull -
Howick Family Doctor
About Dr Bull
Dr. Alastair Bull is an experienced specialist general practitioner with over 35 years of experience as a family doctor. Practicing for the past 15 years in Howick, Dr. Bull has developed a deep understanding of the unique medical needs of older patients.
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Dr. Bull offers a wide range of medical services, including preventative care, diagnosis, and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, and management of complex medical conditions. He takes a holistic approach to healthcare, working closely with patients and their families to develop personalized treatment plans that address their unique needs.
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Dr. Bulls extensive experience working with older adults ensures he is well-equipped to manage the unique health challenges that come with ageing. He understands the importance of maintaining a healthy quality of life in later years and is committed to helping his patients achieve these goals.
My Story
"As a practicing GP for over 35 years, I have worn a variety of ‘medical hats’ in my time. I have worked in paediatrics, anaesthetics, HIV management, and been hospital manager in some extremely rural locations (including the most remote inhabited island in the world - Tristan da Cunha). The common denominator throughout my medical career that has continuously driven me has been serving the needs of the communities I have found myself in.
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After beginning my life in England, and completing my schooling at Shrewsbury School, I moved to South Africa in 1984, and began my studies at Wits University in 1985. My desire to serve communities in need, combined with my love of adventure, saw me begin my career in earnest in rural KZN at St Apollinaris Hospital, Centocow. After 12 years as a rural doctor at the hospital, as well as a stint as the Hospital Superintendent, my family and I settled in the small town of Howick, some 15 years ago."
"Fitness has always been important to me. As an avid runner, I have sampled several of the South African big-name races: the Comrades Marathon, the Two Oceans marathon, and the Mont-Aux-Sources ultramarathon.
Locally, I have also sampled some of Howick (and surrounds) finest adventure races. Notably, I have completed the 3 Cranes Multi-day Trail Run through Karkloof, cycled the Berg ’n Bush multi-day bicycle race, as well as swam my fair share of Midmar miles. Over the years I have also put in many hours on the Howick and Karkloof mountain-bike trails with my sons (all of whom left me in their dust!).
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I am a lover of music and the arts. My love for choral singing in particular began in the Chapel Choir at Prep School, and has continued throughout my life, finally landing me as a valued bass (we are few and far between in Howick) in the Howick Choristers.
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My spare time is spent between helping out in parish life at St. Joseph’s in Howick, walking the dogs in the Howick forests, reading, or scrolling (my family might say obsessively) through the various news apps on my phone."
- Dr. Alastair Bull
Education
He graduated from Wits University, receiving his MBBCh in 1990. From 1992 up until 2007 he worked at St Apollinaris Hospital in rural KZN. During his tenure at the hospital he undertook various education and training qualifications based on the positions he found himself in within the Hospital structure.
In 2012, after moving to Howick, he completed his Masters specialisation in Family Medicine at Stellenbosch University. His particular research focus was looking at Advanced Healthcare Directive - something particularly relevant to his current geriatric patient base in Howick.
Qualifications
1990: MBBCh - Wits University
1992: DCH (Diploma in Child Healthcare) - College of South Africa
1994: DA (Diploma in Anaesthetics) - College of South Africa
1999: Neonatal Resuscitation Course - American College of Paediatrics
2001: Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS); HIV Management Course - Foundation for Professional Development
2002: Perinatal Education Programme (PEP Programme)
2004: Strategic Planning & Activity Based Costing - South African Department of Health Performance Management - South African Department of Health
2007: Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
2012: MMed (Family Medicine) - Stellenbosch University
2018: Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)