Who is Magdi Yacoub? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

British Celebrities Born In November

Also Known As: Dr. Magdi Yacoub, Sir Magdi Habib Yacoub, Sir Magdi Habib Yacoub, FRS

Age: 89 Years, 89 Year Old Males

Born Country: Egypt

Philanthropists Surgeons

Founder/Co-Founder: Chain of Hope (Charity Organisation)

More Facts

education: Faculty of Medicine Cairo University, Royal College of Surgeons of England

awards: Knight Bachelor (1992)
WHO Prize for Humanitarian Services (2003)
Order of the Nile (2011)
Order of Merit (2014)

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1

What are Magdi Yacoub's notable contributions to the field of medicine?

Magdi Yacoub is a renowned heart surgeon known for his pioneering work in cardiac surgery, particularly in the field of heart transplantation and heart surgery for children.
2

How did Magdi Yacoub establish his reputation as a leading cardiac surgeon?

Magdi Yacoub gained international recognition for his successful heart surgeries and his efforts in establishing heart transplant programs in various countries.
3

What is the impact of Magdi Yacoub's charitable work in the field of healthcare?

Magdi Yacoub is known for his philanthropic efforts, including establishing medical facilities in underserved areas and providing free surgeries to patients in need.
4

What is Magdi Yacoub's approach to mentoring and educating the next generation of healthcare professionals?

Magdi Yacoub is dedicated to mentoring and training young doctors and surgeons, passing on his knowledge and expertise to ensure the future of cardiac surgery.
5

How has Magdi Yacoub's research contributed to advancements in the field of cardiac surgery?

Magdi Yacoub's research has led to significant advancements in cardiac surgery techniques, improving outcomes for patients with complex heart conditions.

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Royal College Of Surgeons

Childhood & Early Life

Magdi Yacoub was born on November 16, 1935 in Belbin, Ashraqya, Egypt. His father was a general surgeon and inspired him to become a doctor.

At the age of four, he witnessed the death of his aunt due to heart disease. Her death, in her early 20s, inspired him to specialize in heart surgery.

He entered the Cairo University College of Medicine at the age of 15 on a full scholarship and graduated in 1957, qualifying as a doctor.

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Career

In 1962, he moved to London and worked in leading hospitals in cardiac surgery for the next 40 years. Considered a pioneer in his field, he is hailed as one of the world's most respected cardiac surgeons.

In 1968, he took a short break to teach in the United States. He spent a year as an associate professor at the University of Chicago. He returned to London a year later to resume his work in the UK.

Upon his return to the UK, he began work as a Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon at Harefield Hospital. He served in this capacity from 1969 –2001.

In 1986, while still working at Harefield Hospital, he became a Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon at Royal Brompton Hospital. In the same year he was appointed as a professor of Cardiothoracic surgery at the National Heart & Lung Institute.

During his career, he supervised over 60 research students in the areas of tissue engineering, myocardial regeneration, stem cell biology, end stage heart failure, and transplant immunology.

In 1995, he founded the UK-based children's charity ‘Chain of Hope’ which treats children with correctible cardiac conditions from war-torn and developing countries. Chain of Hope has also established training and research programs in Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries.

Magdi retired from his work in London-area hospitals in 2001 and spends his time recruiting doctors from around the world for the UK's National Health Services. He has also devoted significant time to his charity Chain of Hope.

Major Works

As one of the world's leading cardiac surgeons, he pioneered techniques that include tissue engineering heart valves, novel left ventricular assist devices, and wireless sensors for heart patients. In addition, he developed a procedure for switching heart vessels of babies born with congenital heart defects.

In 2008, he established the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundaition. The foundation was able to establish the Aswan Heart Centre in 2009 to provide free medical services for those in need.

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In addition to his heart foundation, he founded the Magdi Yacoub Research Network in 2008. The network helped create the Qatar Cardiovascular Research Center in collaboration with the Qatar Foundation and Hamad Medical Corporation.

Awards & Achievements

Dr. Yacoub was knighted in 1992 by Queen Elizabeth II for his contribution to medicine and surgery.

In 1998, he was awarded the Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences for his work and pioneering techniques. In that same year, the Texas Heart Institute presented him with the Ray C. Fish Award for Scientific Achievement in Cardiovascular Disease.

He was awarded a second Fellowship Award in 1999 from the Royal Society. The UK Secretary of State presented him with a Lifetime Outstanding Achievement Award in recognition of his contribution to medicine in 1999.

Other awards include the WHO Prize for Humanitarian Services (Geneva), Medal of Merit from the International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Society for Heart & Lung Transplantation.

Personal Life & Legacy

Magdi is married to Marianne, who is of German descent. They have three children. His oldest daughter, Lisa, works as the UK coordinator for Chain of Hope, while his youngest daughter is a doctor specializing in tropical medicine.

He established the largest heart & lung transplant program where more than 2,500 transplant operations have been performed. He has written over 1,000 articles and co-authored several books pertaining to his work.

His colleagues believe his greatest contributions to cardiac surgery have been in the field of cardiopulmonary transplantation and in the new techniques he has developed for congenital abnormalities.

Facts About Magdi Yacoub

Magdi Yacoub is not only a world-renowned cardiac surgeon but also a talented musician who plays the oud, a traditional Middle Eastern string instrument.

In addition to his medical accomplishments, Magdi Yacoub is a passionate advocate for humanitarian causes, particularly in the field of healthcare access in developing countries.

Despite his busy schedule, Magdi Yacoub finds time to enjoy gardening and has a green thumb when it comes to cultivating plants and flowers.

Outside of his professional life, Magdi Yacoub is a dedicated family man who cherishes spending time with his loved ones and creating lasting memories with them.

Magdi Yacoub Biography

You wanted to know

What are Magdi Yacoub's notable contributions to the field of medicine?

How did Magdi Yacoub establish his reputation as a leading cardiac surgeon?

What is the impact of Magdi Yacoub's charitable work in the field of healthcare?

What is Magdi Yacoub's approach to mentoring and educating the next generation of healthcare professionals?

How has Magdi Yacoub's research contributed to advancements in the field of cardiac surgery?