Dr Francois Bouwer – Rheumatologist – Stellenbosch

Dr Francois Bouwer – Rheumatologist – Stellenbosch

Dr Francois Bouwer is a Rheumatologist in Stellenbosch who leads rheumatology services at Mediclinic Winelands Day Clinic — part of Mediclinic Vergelegen and associated sites — bringing extensive subspecialty credentials to every patient encounter . He earned his MBChB from the University of Pretoria in 2003, followed by FCP (SA) in 2013 and a Certificate in Rheumatology in 2016 . Moreover, he practices across four Mediclinic facilities, including Vergelegen, Winelands Orthopaedic Hospital, Worcester, and the Winelands Day Clinic . Consequently, his care model blends individualised consultations with minor rheumatology procedures, underpinned by advanced imaging and a multidisciplinary institute partnership that began in June 2021 .

Dr Bouwer serves as a Rheumatologist (Physician, Internal Medicine) at Mediclinic Winelands Day Clinic in Stellenbosch. He earned his MBChB from the University of Pretoria in 2003. Moreover, he completed his FCP (SA) designation in 2013 and a Certificate in Rheumatology in 2016 .

During his early career, he developed expertise in the diagnosis and management of complex autoimmune disorders. He now oversees a full spectrum of rheumatology care, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of orthopaedic surgeons, physical therapists, and rehabilitation specialists . Additionally, Dr Bouwer contributes to regional guideline committees for inflammatory arthritis and osteoporosis. Therefore, patients benefit from both his clinical acumen and his commitment to evidence‑based practice.

Services

• Planned Minor Rheumatology Procedures
  Day‑clinic interventions that allow same‑day admission and discharge for joint injections, synovial biopsies, and related therapies .

• Rheumatology Consultations
  Comprehensive evaluation of musculoskeletal and systemic autoimmune conditions to establish accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment plans .

• Joint Injections & Arthrocentesis
  Ultrasound‑guided administration of corticosteroids and viscosupplementation to relieve pain and improve function .

• Autoimmune Disease Management
  Long‑term control protocols for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, and related disorders using targeted DMARD regimens .

• Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
  Real‑time imaging for precise assessment of synovitis, tendon pathology, and enthesitis in peripheral joints.

• Preventive Health Screenings
  Routine assessments to detect early markers of osteoporosis and inflammatory disease, enabling timely interventions .

• Multidisciplinary Care Coordination
  Integrated treatment pathways that involve orthopaedic, radiology, and rehabilitation teams for cohesive patient support.

Additional Information

Mediclinic Winelands Day Clinic opened in June 2021, offering high‑quality minor orthopaedic and rheumatology services with same‑day care standards equivalent to the main hospital . Furthermore, the clinic forms part of the Institute of Orthopaedics and Rheumatology, a specialist institute dedicated to musculoskeletal medicine, education, and research . As such, it serves as a training facility for young professionals in orthopaedic surgery, rheumatology, musculoskeletal radiology, and anaesthesiology .

Moreover, the institute’s collaborative environment integrates radiology, physical therapy, orthotics & prosthetics, and anaesthesiology under one roof for seamless patient journeys . Consequently, Dr Bouwer’s patients benefit from rapid diagnostics, tailored intervention plans, and coordinated rehabilitation protocols. Altogether, this advanced, multidisciplinary model ensures that each individual receives both expert care and compassionate support. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your treatment needs and take the first step toward sustained musculoskeletal health.