Dear Staff and Student Colleagues

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Dr Peter Berman on 8 June 2026, following a long illness. Dr Berman was a highly respected Chemical Pathologist, former Head of the Division of Chemical Pathology, and a valued member of the Department of Pathology whose influence extended across generations of students, clinicians and colleagues.

Dr Berman’s career was marked by exceptional expertise and a deep commitment to the practice and advancement of Chemical Pathology. He served the Department with distinction until his retirement on 31 May 2012, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in diagnostic medicine, research and education.

He was particularly renowned for his ability to navigate complex metabolic diagnostic challenges, combining extensive knowledge with a rare analytical precision. His expertise was recognised internationally, including for his contributions to specialised laboratory assays, and he was frequently sought after for his professional opinion, including as an expert witness in legal proceedings.

Within the Department and the Faculty, however, Dr Berman’s legacy extended far beyond his technical achievements. He was a passionate educator and mentor who made a lasting impression on generations of students and colleagues. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to teaching, he received the Distinguished Teacher Award in 2003. His commitment to developing future healthcare professionals continues through the Department’s teaching award, the Berman-Duffield Teaching Award, named in his honour alongside Dr Maureen Duffield.

Those who had the privilege of working with Dr Berman will remember both his remarkable intellect and his distinctive character. He brought curiosity, independence of thought and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking to every discussion. Colleagues fondly recall engaging conversations around difficult cases, where his insight often illuminated solutions to problems that seemed particularly challenging. He was admired not only for his expertise but also for his generosity, humour and the unique presence he brought to the Department.

Outside of medicine, Dr Berman lived a life shaped by adventure and a deep appreciation for the natural world. He had a lifelong passion for the outdoors, mountaineering and animals. His beloved dogs were a defining part of his life and accompanied him on countless adventures. Stories of his golden retrievers joining him at the theatre and his dogs accompanying him on outdoor expeditions capture something of his extraordinary character: unconventional, compassionate and entirely devoted to the creatures he loved. One particularly memorable story recalls a climbing expedition where his border collie, Gelert, was carried in a rucksack and assisted up a rock face so that he could complete the journey alongside his human companions.

Dr Berman’s passing is mourned by his family, friends, former colleagues, students and all those whose lives he touched. His contribution to Chemical Pathology, his commitment to teaching, and the distinctive spirit he brought to the faculty will not be forgotten.

Lala ngoxolo Dr. Berman

Professor Lionel Green - Thompson
Dean: Faculty of Health Sciences