Edited by Yara Alsayes
Sir Magdy Yacoub is a man who has been treating – and winning –hearts for the last few decades. It’s not just Dr. Yacoub’s fascinating knowledge that makes us love him; it’s his charm, benevolent attitude, and his generous work for underprivileged children. After the beautiful commercial for his institute touched the hearts of all Egyptians, we had to list some of the many reasons why we love Sir Magdi Yacoub.
His Ground-Breaking Heart Transplant Work
Sir Magdi Yacouub performed his first open heart surgery in Nigeria, 1974. From then, he went on to change the future of medicine. Sir Yacoub is considered the world’s leading transplant surgeon, seeing as he’s performed more transplants than any other surgeon in the world.
“It’s not just Dr. Yacoub’s fascinating knowledge that makes us love him; it’s his charm, benevolent attitude, and his generous work for underprivileged children.”
A Dedicated Man of Medicine
Under Dr. Yacoub’s leadership, the Harefield Transplant Programme was established in 1980. He and his team performed 1000 procedures, and the Hospital developed into the leading UK transplant center. In order to remove donor hearts, he would travel thousands of miles each year.
The Chain of Hope Foundation
The surgeon founded the Chain of Hope foundation in 1995, which puts experts in touch with each other in order for them to perform life saving heart procedures on children in developing countries. Until now, 15 million children from more than 25 countries have been treated.
Always Willing to Learn More
One of the greatest things about Dr. Yacoub is that he never stops wanting to learn more. He founded the Heart Science Centre (Magdi Yacoub Institute) in the UK for research into the causes and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
A True Knight
Dr. Yaacoub was the first Egyptian to be knighted by the Queen, which makes him Sir Magdi Yacoub. In addition to that, he was awarded the Order of Merit by the Queen herself in 2014.
Giving Back (the Magdi Yacoub Foundation)
Along with Nobel Peace prize winner Ahmed Zoweil, Sir Magdy Yacoub launched the Magdi Yacoub Foundation, which offers world class services to the those who can’t afford medical help.
“In March 2016, the beloved surgeon announced he’d be performing heart surgeries in Oman for Arab children in developing countries, free of charge, specifically targeting children from Yemen, Iraq and Syria.”
The Aswan Centre
Dr. Yacoub established the Aswan Centre in 2009, which is an outstanding project to reduce heart disease in Egypt. It offers the underprivileged a chance to get medical services. Its focus is on Upper Egypt and its surrounding areas. The foundation expands to reach anyone in need.
Pro Bono
In March 2016, the beloved surgeon announced he’d be performing heart surgeries in Oman for Arab children in developing countries, free of charge, specifically targeting children from Yemen, Iraq and Syria. His aim is to perform 12 or more procedures each year.
In conclusion, because of his good heart and vast knowledge, the world seriously needs more people like Magdi Yacoub!