Bogus TikTok ‘Dr’ Matthew Lani Exposed: Not a Wits University Graduate

In a shocking revelation, a self-proclaimed TikTok doctor, known as ‘Dr Matthew Lani,’ has come under scrutiny for falsely claiming to be a medical graduate from Wits University. With over 280,000 followers on TikTok, ‘Dr Matthew Lani’ has gained popularity for dispensing medical advice and content. However, his alleged qualifications have been debunked by Wits University, raising concerns about his credibility and legality in practicing medicine.

The university, in an official statement, distanced itself from ‘Dr Matthew Lani’ and urged him to retract all claims associating him with the institution. Despite his LinkedIn profile stating he studied medicine (MBBS) at Wits between 2014 and 2021, the university clarified that it does not offer an MBBS degree but provides a MBBCh degree.

Furthermore, doctors who studied around the same time as ‘Dr Matthew Lani’ have taken to social media to express that they have no knowledge of him, casting doubts on his authenticity as a medical professional. The Stellenbosch Municipality and the Gauteng Health Department have also denied any association with Lani, contradicting his claims of working with them.

The Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA) has emphasized that practicing medicine without proper registration is a criminal offense. The HPCSA distanced itself from ‘Dr Matthew Lani’ and stated its intention to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to address the issue of bogus practitioners.

On social media, ‘Dr Matthew Lani’ responded to the allegations, defending himself and stating that his employer is aware of his social media persona. Despite his attempts to dismiss the accusations, the HPCSA and Wits University’s statements raise serious questions about his credibility as a medical professional.

As authorities delve deeper into this matter, ‘Dr Matthew Lani’ faces potential legal consequences for his actions, highlighting the importance of verifying credentials and qualifications in the digital age. The case serves as a cautionary tale, reminding the public to exercise caution when seeking medical advice online and to verify the credentials of individuals claiming to be healthcare professionals.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.