SAMJ FORUM
IN MEMORIAM

Willem Alberts

The medical fraternity of Polokwane (Pietersburg) is mourning one of its great members, Dr Willem Alberts, who died at the age of 84.

Willem Alberts obtained the MB ChB degree at the University of Pretoria in 1950, and specialised in clinical pathology at the University of the Witwatersrand. In January 1957 he moved to Polokwane and started the Northern Transvaal branch of the SAIMR. He was director of the SAIMR (Northern) Branch until he retired in 1986. He also started and managed the branch of the Northern Blood Transfusion Service. After his retirement he was appointed as consulting pathologist at Du Buisson, Brunette & Kramer Ampath, until December 2007. He was an honorary Professor in medical science at the University of the North, now the University of Limpopo.

No single individual has done so much to advance laboratory services and standards in this province as Dr Alberts. No-one ever amassed such first-hand knowledge of laboratory services in a province, was so well acquainted with key personnel, and had so consistently given service to hospitals and medical practitioners.

He spent a lifetime in laboratory service; he was that rare combination of a visionary and a practical man. His endeavours left a deep imprint on medical services throughout the Northern Transvaal - now Limpopo Province. His influence touched and inspired many lives. For three decades he crusaded for laboratory services in this province.

We pay tribute to a man who was acknowledged as a leading figure in the medical field in Limpopo Province, who served as secretary and president of the Soutpansberg Branch of SAMA, and whom it was our privilege to number among our friends.

He leaves behind his wife Mariaan, daughter Karin, son-in-law Keith and three grandchildren.

J V de Jager and the Soutpansberg Branch of SAMA