The department of medicine was founded in 1970. The head of department at that time was Dr. Mustafa R. Al – Naama & the teaching faculty were composed of several local academics & physicians. The department was responsible for teaching the internal medicine for undergraduate students only. Now the department had 41 members who are qualified with highest degree in internal medicine & other medical sub-specialties as cardiology, dermatology, nephrology, neurology, endocrinology, oncology, hematology, rheumatology, and psychiatry. They participate in post graduate teaching programs for Iraqi & Arabic board in internal medicine, dermatology, psychiatry, and endocrinology. Also, the teaching staff of the department are actively involved in providing medical health care services in the four main hospitals in Basrah province.
From structure point of view, the department occupies an assigned section in the second floor of the new building of the College of Medicine, with sufficient offices and small group teaching and seminar rooms. In addition, the department makes use of all common lecture halls at the disposal of the college.