Pioneering the Future of Cardiothoracic Surgery & Global Health
Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub OM, FRS — one of the world's most distinguished cardiac surgeons, whose innovations have saved countless lives and whose humanitarian vision continues to transform healthcare for children across the globe.
A Remarkable Journey
From a young student in Cairo to one of the most celebrated surgeons in medical history — seven decades of relentless pursuit of excellence.
Cairo University — MB BCh
Graduated from Cairo University with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery. The early spark that ignited a lifetime commitment to healing hearts.
Moved to the United Kingdom
Relocated to England to pursue advanced surgical training, joining the National Heart Hospital and beginning his transformative work in cardiac surgery.
Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon at Harefield
Appointed Consultant at Harefield Hospital, where he would build one of the world's most renowned cardiac surgical units and perform groundbreaking operations.
Pioneered the Ross Procedure
Refined and popularised the Ross Procedure (pulmonary autograft), revolutionising aortic valve replacement by using the patient's own valve for superior longevity.
First UK Heart-Lung Transplant
Performed the United Kingdom's first combined heart-lung transplant at Harefield Hospital, a landmark moment in British surgical history that opened new frontiers in transplant medicine.
Founded Chain of Hope
Established Chain of Hope, a charitable organisation dedicated to providing life-saving cardiac surgery to children in developing countries — bringing hope where it's needed most.
Aswan Heart Centre Opens
Inaugurated the Aswan Heart Centre in Egypt, a state-of-the-art facility providing free cardiac care to underprivileged patients and training the next generation of surgeons.
Order of Merit (OM)
Appointed to the Order of Merit by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II — one of only 24 living members, recognising individuals of the greatest distinction in the Commonwealth.
BHF Lifetime Achievement Award
Honoured with the British Heart Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award, crowning a career that has spanned nearly seven decades and transformed cardiovascular medicine worldwide.
Innovations That Redefined Surgery
Three landmark procedures that bear his influence and continue to shape the future of cardiac surgery worldwide.
The Ross Procedure
A revolutionary aortic valve replacement technique using the patient's own pulmonary valve, eliminating the need for lifelong anticoagulation and providing superior hemodynamic performance.
- Autograft for natural durability
- No blood thinners required
- Excellent long-term outcomes
Arterial Switch Operation
A life-saving correction for transposition of the great arteries in newborns. Sir Magdi's refinements transformed this once-fatal congenital defect into a treatable condition with excellent survival rates.
- Corrects TGA in neonates
- Anatomical correction approach
- Dramatically improved survival
Bridge to Recovery (LVAD)
Pioneered the concept of using Left Ventricular Assist Devices as a bridge to myocardial recovery, demonstrating that some failing hearts can heal themselves with mechanical support.
- Ventricle unloading therapy
- Avoids transplant in select cases
- Paradigm shift in heart failure
Healing Hearts Across Borders
Beyond the operating theatre, Sir Magdi's greatest legacy may be his unwavering commitment to children who would otherwise have no access to life-saving cardiac care.
Chain of Hope
Chain of Hope provides free cardiac surgery to children from developing countries. Medical teams fly to remote regions, treat children with congenital heart disease, and build local capacity through training programmes.
Aswan Heart Centre
A state-of-the-art cardiac centre in Upper Egypt providing free, world-class cardiovascular care to the most underprivileged populations. The centre also serves as a research and training hub for African surgeons.
"I believe that every child, regardless of where they are born, deserves the chance to live a full and healthy life. Medicine should have no borders."— Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub
A Life Decorated with Honour
Search and explore the many awards, honours, and distinctions conferred upon Sir Magdi throughout his extraordinary career.
Order of Merit (OM)
Appointed by Queen Elizabeth II — one of only 24 living members, the highest civil honour in the Commonwealth.
Knighthood
Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to medicine and cardiothoracic surgery.
Lister Medal
Awarded by the Royal College of Surgeons for outstanding contributions to surgical science.
Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS)
Elected Fellow in recognition of his seminal contributions to medical science and research.
Order of the Nile
Egypt's highest state honour — Grand Cordon of the Order of the Nile, awarded by the President.
Guinness World Record
100 heart transplant operations performed in a single year — a world record that remains unbroken.
BHF Lifetime Achievement
British Heart Foundation's highest honour for a career dedicated to conquering heart disease.
Prince Mahidol Award
Thailand's most prestigious international award in medicine and public health.
Honorary Doctorates
Over 20 honorary degrees from the world's leading universities including Cambridge, Oxford, and Stockholm.
Advancing the Frontiers of Knowledge
A prolific researcher and mentor, Sir Magdi has authored over 1,000 scientific publications and leads world-class research institutions.
Imperial College London
Professor of Cardiothoracic SurgeryLeading research in cardiac regeneration, stem cell therapy, and tissue engineering at one of the world's premier academic institutions. His work explores the molecular mechanisms of heart disease and novel therapeutic approaches.
Magdi Yacoub Institute
Founder & Director of ResearchA world-leading research centre focused on heart valve biology, myocardial regeneration, and stem cell therapies. The institute bridges the gap between laboratory discovery and clinical application.
Valve Biology
Structural & cellular research on heart valve function and disease
Stem Cell Therapy
Regenerative approaches for myocardial repair and recovery
Transplantation
Advancing organ preservation and transplant outcomes
Tissue Engineering
Growing replacement tissues for the next generation of surgery
Continuing the Mission
For academic enquiries, collaboration opportunities, speaking engagements, or to support the humanitarian work of Chain of Hope and the Aswan Heart Centre.
Academic Enquiries
Imperial College London
Support Chain of Hope
Donate & Volunteer
Speaking Requests
Conferences & Events