New training models and programmes in the teaching of clinical psychology associated with medically applied psychology at medical schools are developing in South Africa. However, a recent survey showed that a minimum number of full-time clinical psychologists is employed by medical schools in South Africa. How the few who are so employed fare away from their 'home base' is also explored as well as what their contributions are in such settings and in providing medical psychological services in general hospitals. These findings are discussed with reference to a developing country such as South Africa. Methods are proposed to further enhance the development of medical psychology and the effective contribution of clinical psychology to medical and related education, and its functioning as a bridge across the body-mind dichotomy within promotive and preventive healing systems.