Sir Magdi Yacoub

Early Life & Education

Born in 1935 in Belbeis, Egypt, Magdi Yacoub grew up in a family dedicated to medicine — his father was a general surgeon. Inspired by this background, he studied medicine at Cairo University and graduated in 1957. He later moved to the United Kingdom to pursue advanced training in thoracic and cardiovascular surgery.

Medical Career

Sir Magdi Yacoub became one of the pioneers of open-heart surgery and transplantation. He led groundbreaking programs at Harefield Hospital and the Royal Brompton Hospital in the UK. Over his career, he performed thousands of life-saving heart and lung surgeries and established Europe’s largest heart transplant program. He also trained and mentored hundreds of doctors from around the world, spreading his expertise globally.

Specialization

World authority in cardiac surgery and transplantation. Known for introducing innovative surgical techniques, developing artificial heart valves, and advancing pediatric cardiac care for children with complex congenital heart conditions.

Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation

In 2009, he founded the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation in Egypt, establishing the Aswan Heart Centre. This non-profit facility provides free, world-class treatment to underprivileged patients, particularly children suffering from severe heart diseases. The centre also conducts advanced research and training programs, becoming a beacon of excellence in healthcare across Africa and the Middle East.

Awards & Global Recognition

• Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1992 for services to medicine and surgery.
• Awarded the prestigious Order of Merit by Queen Elizabeth II in 2014 — one of the UK’s highest honours.
• Named one of the most influential surgeons of the 20th century.
• Recipient of multiple honorary doctorates from leading universities worldwide.
• Honoured for humanitarian contributions in Egypt, the UK, and internationally.

Legacy

Sir Magdi Yacoub is not only a medical pioneer but also a humanitarian icon. His life’s work combines scientific excellence, compassion, and philanthropy. Today, he continues to inspire new generations of doctors and serves as a proud symbol of Egyptian talent and global leadership in medicine.

Sir Magdi Yacoub

Foundations & Hospitals

In 2009, Sir Magdi Yacoub founded the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation, which established the Aswan Heart Centre in Upper Egypt. This non-profit hospital provides free, world-class treatment for children and adults suffering from complex heart conditions. It also serves as a centre for advanced research, innovation, and training of young doctors and surgeons.

Building on this success, the foundation announced the creation of a new Global Heart Centre in 6th of October City, Egypt. This state-of-the-art facility aims to expand capacity, combining clinical care, training, and cutting-edge research to serve patients from across Egypt, the Middle East, and Africa. Once fully operational, it will be one of the largest cardiac centres in the region.