Internal Medicine IV (CFR)

Internal Medicine Clinic IV

The Internal Medicine Clinic IV was established on October 1, 1963, as part of the expansion of the educational and clinical base of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy. This development occurred through the transformation of the Internal Medicine Department of CF Hospital Timișoara into a clinical teaching department.
Initially, medical staffing was ensured through transfers from other medical clinics, later supplemented by the recruitment and training of personnel selected through competitive examinations.

The first head of the clinic was Associate Professor Dr. Leon Berinde, who was later promoted to Professor. From 1984 to 1992, the clinic was led by Professor Dr. Traian Banciu, followed by Professor Dr. Ioan Romoșan between 1993 and 2022. From October 2022 to April 2023, leadership was held by Associate Professor Dr. Daniela Lazăr, and since April 2023, the clinic has been directed by Professor Dr. Christian Banciu, who achieved the rank of full professor in September 2025.

Educational Mission

From its foundation until 1993, the clinic provided training in medical semiology for students of General Medicine, Pediatrics, and Dentistry.
In recent years, Internal Medicine Clinic IV has become a key academic site for medical semiology and internal medicine training for students of the Faculty of Dental Medicine, taught in both Romanian and English.

The department also conducts internal medicine courses and clinical rotations for students of the Faculty of General Nursing, specializing in General Medical Assistance (AMG) and Physical Therapy and Balneology (BFKT), as well as for students of the Faculty of Dental Medicine, specializing in Dental Prophylaxis Assistance (APS) and Dental Technology.

The teaching philosophy emphasizes a solid practical foundation built on strong theoretical knowledge, ensuring that future physicians are fully equipped to address the complexities of clinical practice.
Given that for the past three decades the clinic has trained students from the Faculty of Dental Medicine (2nd year in Medical Semiology and 3rd year in Internal Medicine), the teaching staff and assistants have tailored their approach to integrate internal medicine principles with the dental profile. This integration enables future dentists to:

• Recognize systemic diseases commonly encountered in dental practice,
• Respond appropriately to medical emergencies arising in dental settings, and
• Manage interdisciplinary medical-dental cases effectively.

Similarly, students from other health-related faculties receive targeted instruction designed to increase awareness of major internal medicine challenges, facilitate early recognition of diseases, and promote the application of appropriate treatment strategies.

Residency and Postgraduate Training

The department coordinates a five-year residency program in Internal Medicine, under the supervision of Professor Dr. Christian Banciu.
Numerous undergraduate theses and postgraduate courses have been developed within the clinic, reflecting its long-standing commitment to medical education and continuous professional development.

A defining feature of the clinic’s activity is its interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach to both clinical care and teaching.
Starting in September 2025, two habilitated academic members—Professor Dr. Christian Banciu and Associate Professor Dr. Daniela Lazăr—will serve as members of the Doctoral School of UMFVBT, with the authority to supervise doctoral students and medical researchers.

Clinical and Research Activity

While maintaining a holistic perspective that considers the patient as a unified whole, the clinic has continuously pursued excellence in clinical care, education, research, and professional specialization.
Over time, the clinic has been structured into several specialized divisions, including:

• Cardiology
• Gastroenterology and Hepatology
• Rheumatology
• Hematology
• Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases

The clinic is equipped with advanced functional exploration laboratories, offering:

• Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy
• Cardiovascular and respiratory assessments
• Rheumatologic testing (capillaroscopy)
• Comprehensive ultrasound examinations (cardiac, vascular, abdominal, soft tissue, breast, thyroid, contrast-enhanced, echoendoscopy, and interventional ultrasound)
• Liver elastography (Fibroscan)

To ensure comprehensive and high-quality medical care, Internal Medicine Clinic IV collaborates closely with other departments and outpatient units of CF Clinical Hospital Timișoara, including:

• Surgery Clinic III, Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Unit, and departments of Ophthalmology, ENT, Pulmonology, Neurology, Urology, and Gynecology
• The Radiology and Imaging Department (featuring advanced CT technology)
• Outpatient units in Dermatology, Orthopedics, Psychiatry, Psychology, and Nosocomial Infection Control
• A modern Clinical Laboratory equipped with PCR testing technology

Infrastructure and Patient Care

The clinic currently operates 43 inpatient beds, providing specialized medical services to insured patients from Timișoara and neighboring counties.
Its clinical activity focuses both on the management of chronic diseases and on preventive care, emphasizing early detection and reduction of risk factors in its main areas of expertise:

• Gastroenterology and Hepatology
• Cardiology
• Diabetes and Nutrition Disorders
• Rheumatic and Collagen Diseases
• Hematology

Research and Academic Contributions

Scientific research is a central focus of the clinic’s mission. The team regularly presents original research at national and international scientific conferences, and publishes in indexed journals (ISI, BDI+, BDI) in Romania and abroad.
The academic staff have also authored and co-authored numerous books, monographs, and university textbooks, often in collaboration with other departments within the university and with researchers from partner institutions across the country.