A Surgeon and a Maverick

“Chronicling his remarkable journey from Belbeis, an ancient fortress city on the Nile delta, to becoming one of the world’s most famous Egyptians … the book not only lays bare his surgical successes but also the challenges he faced along the way.”—The Telegraph “The reason that he has finally consented to an authorised biography now after all these years is not, he stresses, out of self-aggrandisement, but in the hope that it will inspire others to follow in his footsteps.“—The National “His legacy is one of innovation and saved lives… . an outsider who went on to have a career of firsts.“—Channel 4 News “Whether or not you are interested in the medical field, Yacoub’s tale will impassion anyone striving to create a more just and honourable society.”—The New Arab “An inherently fascinating read from start to finish, A Surgeon and a Maverick: The Life and Pioneering Work of Magdi Yacoub is the extraordinary life story of an extraordinary man of medicine and will prove to be of immense value to readers with an interest in organ transplant surgery.“—Midwest Book Review “This is a story of a life well lived. Sir Magdi Yacoub has transformed medical practice and improved the lives of millions of people. He did this with intellectual creativity, determination, and a deep commitment to serving humanity.“—Minouche Shafik, President, Columbia University“From humble beginnings as he followed his surgeon father across Egypt, to achieving the highest honors in the UK, Magdi Yacoub’s story exemplifies the values of hard work, innovation, and humanity. His passion for science and his unrivaled surgical wizardry are only surpassed by his core belief that every human life holds equal value. This book will undoubtedly inspire generations of young people all around the world to fulfill their most ambitious dreams.”—Valentin Fuster, Physician in Chief, Mount Sinai Hospital “This book recounts how a brilliant and determined young Egyptian became a great pioneer and global champion of cardiac surgery. Through his skills in the operating theater and his indefatigable energy he’s directly saved thousands of lives. And through his intensive commitment and compelling advocacy of hospitals and research his Chain of Hope charity has saved many more—especially in Africa. Magdi Yacoub’s immense achievements richly deserve honor and celebration, and this fine book tells us all why.“—Martin Rees, author of If Science is to Save Us PRAISE FOR MAGDI YACOUB: “Magdi has changed our definition of what is possible.“—Gordon Brown, former UK Prime Minister “The world’s leading cardiac surgeon”—The Sunday Times “Renowned heart specialist Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub”—The Guardian “Recognized as one of the great pioneers of heart transplant surgery”—BBC Radio “The Leonardo da Vinci of cardiac surgery”—Peter Alivizatos, MD “Sir Magdi Yacoub is more than a pioneering surgeon; he is a human being in every sense of the word.“—Dr Ahmed Fouad Hano, Egypt’s Minister of Culture

Simon Pearson and Fiona Gorman (Authors) are a husband-and-wife team of author-editors who worked for The Times newspaper in London for more than thirty years. A former executive editor at The Times, Simon is the author of three books, including the bestselling biography The Great Escaper. Fiona has written on a range of subjects including mental health, and Simon contributes obituaries for The Times. They live in Suffolk, UK.

Mary Archer (Foreword) is a British scientist specializing in solar power conversion. In 2012, she was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for her services to the National Health Service.