We began speaking about Sir Doctor Magdy Yackoub, the legend which lives among us, and possesses the greatest features, the gentlest feelings, and the strongest principles of humanity. He has been a keeper of a message, a craver for a path he longed for since his early childhood, he has walked along that path until this day, in a very successful attempt to relief the pain of people and to take away their grief, even if the price is his own comfort! I always recall the words of Pope Shenouda III: “We have two ways: either to have comfort and make people rest, or to rest and make people comfort.” Great people always choose to make people rest.
His real purpose behind joining the faculty of medicine was mere humane, seeking to serve the suffering patients, he has frequently reiterated the phrase; “I do believe in humanity” in his interviews. He has been always engaged in serving humanity, which is still the most important thing we possess in all times.
Thus, the life of Professor Sir Magdy Yackoub has known but the meaning of giving, especially to those who possess nothing, so he chose to sacrifice his life, effort, time and capabilities for the sake of the poor, waiting for nothing in response, as if he is a candle which gets lightened to spread the flame of its light, granting life to those around it and adding rejoice to their lives.
Out of this generous giving, he faced many obstacles and challenges throughout his life journey. I read a story narrated by the global physician of Egypt about his daughter who decided to join the faculty of medicine: after an interview, she returned troubled and cried while telling her father what happened with her, he told her: “If you would cry and get troubled in your first challenge, then medicine profession is not for you! This profession is the most one filled with challenges.”
Out of his great humane nature, Sir Dr. Magdy Yackoub presented the knowledge he possesses to many physicians from all over the world who were trained on his hands, declaring that the priority is to save a life that cannot wait until he performs the needed surgery on his own.
Talking with Sir Dr. Magdy Yackoub, he is found to be a deep character with wide culture engraved in his words, the knowledge he speaks with reflects his vast learning of various sciences, arts and philosophies.
He always says: “I get up at three o’clock in the morning to read the latest articles of Nature”. All this is framed by a gentle simple character which derived its innocent features from thousands of children to whom he performed heart surgeries; he does have a tolerant heart towards everyone.
Although Sir Dr. Magdy Yaqoub has received many global honors, the honor granted to him by Beirut University in recognition of his great scientific and humanitarian contributions in the field of medicine is considered the latest one.
Moreover, the deep love flowing in the hearts of simple people, who express it through simple words, is deemed a popular recognition and a coronation of him as the king over their hearts. Among those words of people are: “Dr. Magdy Yackoub is not just a miraculous heart surgeon, he is not even a medical scientist, he is rather an integrated success system in everything”, “I always have a great feeling when I see Dr. Magdy Yackoub or anything related to him”, “God sent us Dr. Magdy Yackoub to give us hope regarding humanity and its continuity”.
He is the King of Hearts.
The General Bishop
Head of Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
