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02 October 2018 | Story UFS | Photo Supplied
Better yourself at Adelaide Tambo Public Library
According to Dr Magteld Smith the American Space in the Adelaide Tambo Public Library provides an opportunity for visitors to connect and learn about the US.

The new and upgraded American Corner at the Adelaide Tambo Public Library in Bloemfontein is a must visit for all driven individuals who are looking to better themselves. 

"The opportunity the American Corner provides is something all teachers, students and pupils must know about," said Dr Magteld Smith a lecturer and researcher in otorhinolaryngology in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS). The library, on the corner of Charles and West Burger streets, was renovated recently. As part of the overall renovation project, the US Consulate General in Johannesburg refurbished the Corner and provided new computers and audio/visual equipment to enhance its educational and cultural programmes. It is equipped with the very best audio and online technology for audio- and e-books with free Wi-Fi, said Dr Smith.

The US Consulate General in Johannesburg and the Mangaung Metro Municipality renewed their partnership when the Executive Mayor of Mangaung Metro Cllr. Olly Mlamleli and US Consul General Michael McCarthy signed an agreement for the American Corner Mangaung at the library.

The American Space in the library provides an opportunity for visitors to connect and learn about the US through books, movies, and magazines. It provides a space for information and engagement on issues such as educational advice for those who want to study in the US, workshops on a range of topics from career skills to English language learning and the introduction of 21st-century digital skills, and academic resources for visitors.

Dr Smith said it was essential that teachers, pupils and scholars make use of these opportunities and facilities at the Adelaide Tambo Public Library.

"Very few people know of this," she said.

Dr Smith, who is deaf, was a fellow at the University of Minnesota, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, through the US Department of State.

News Archive

Quadriplegic doctor obtains degree against all odds
2016-11-25

Description: Dr Swartbooi CUADS Tags: Dr Swartbooi CUADS

Dr Swartbooi faces each day with vigour and
resilience. Dr Swartbooi analyses images on
a screen in the Clinical Imaging Laboratory
at Universitas Academic Hospital.

Photo: Oteng Mpete

Life’s defining moments are when perseverance is rewarded. It is not easy to swim against the tide. However, for Dr Ambrotius Swartbooi from the University of the Free State’s Department of Clinical Imaging Sciences, it became his moment of glory. In 2006, Dr Swartbooi suffered a spinal injury from a near-fatal car accident which left him paralysed and a quadriplegic.

The strength to carry on

“You have one of two choices:
to lie down and give up,
or to pick yourself up”
—Dr Swartbooi

Dr Swartbooi spent close to six months, recovering from his injuries. “You have one of two choices: to lie down and give up or to pick yourself up,” said Dr Swartbooi. He would inspire other patients with similar injuries to reintegrate into society despite their new-found circumstances.

Fortunately, not all was doom and gloom; in 2007 Dr Swartbooi got married, and his wife has supported and inspired him to continue pursuing his dreams. Dr Swartbooi completed his undergraduate medical degree at the UFS, and in 2014 decided it was time to complete his studies and pursued an MMed specialising in Diagnostic Radiology.

To treat or not treat: that is the question

After all his trials and tribulations, Dr Swartbooi will be receiving his MMed Diagnostic Radiology degree at the UFS Summer Graduation ceremony in December 2016. His research focuses on intracranial aneurysm size interventions. He discovered that there were discrepancies between international standards for intervention and African standards for intervention.

The research inspects what should be treated and how it should be treated. He found there was a gap in African literature into the size of aneurysms.

Champion of survival: Where to from here?

“That’s a good question,” said Dr Swartbooi. “Slowly from here. I still need to work on getting my full accreditation from the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).” He plans to continue fuelling his passion for teaching. “There is no place better to teach than at an academic hospital.”

Dr Swartbooi commended the efforts of the Centre for Universal Access and Disability Support (CUADS), which assisted him in writing all his exams. “I want to be able to make a fulfilling and lasting impact on people but also to give the best medical service that I can,” concluded Dr Swartbooi.

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