Professor Bruce completed his medical training at the University of Stellenbosch in 1993. He was awarded Academic Colours by the Faculty of Medicine and the University of Stellenbosch in 1992.

Before specialising in anaesthesia, he worked in general medicine, general practice and anatomical pathology. He has been a specialist anaesthetist for almost 20 years, having practised in South Africa, the United Kingdom and Australia. He has an interest in the peri-operative use of ultrasound, geriatric anaesthesia, and peri-operative medicine.

In addition to clinical practice, he has been working in medical leadership roles for more than a decade with special interests in rural workforce strategies, patient safety and ensuring equitable access to healthcare for rural communities by utilising technology and value-based healthcare principles. As the Executive Director of Medical Services, he is also responsible medical engagement with an aim to develop and implement sustainable, patient focused models of care.