Sir Magdi Yacoub: A Man from Another Planet

Written by Dr. Hamada Al-Antably

Today, with great pride and passion, I watched on the program “Yohdath fi Masr” (Happening in Egypt) with the brilliant media figure Sherif Amer an interview with the Egyptian scientist Sir Magdi Yacoub. I saw his research and medical team, consisting of a distinguished group of young specialists in computer engineering, mechanical engineering, and aerospace engineering, alongside the Genome and Stem Cell Research Center. All of these specialties are housed in a medical center in Aswan, simply because it is the creation of Sir Magdi Yacoub.

I believe this man is from another planet. He is the ultimate embodiment of a scientist with the soul of a human being, or a human being who happens to be a scientist—call it what you will, but I call it Magdi Yacoub. When this scientist spoke about his team—noting that they are all young, recent graduates—he said that we chose them and they chose us. During the conversation, Sherif Amer pointed out that one of his research team members was a graduate of Alexandria University. When asked about the reason for the distinction of Alexandria University graduates, Sir Magdi Yacoub replied that all Egyptian universities have distinguished talents, but the difference is that talent imposes itself, and the talented young person works on themselves and develops their skills.

He also disagreed with someone who spoke about Dr. Ahmed Zewail, suggesting that the university that produced him could produce others like him. Sir Magdi firmly stated, “There is only one Dr. Ahmed Zewail; he was able to discover something that no one else discovered.” When Sherif Amer asked him, “I am surprised to find Dr. Magdi Yacoub speaking about Dr. Ahmed Zewail in this manner,” he replied with the humility of scholars: “Ahmed Zewail discovered something that no one else discovered, while I practice my work and help people, and this is my job.”

This man is a model of a humble scientist who loves his work and believes in the importance of science, scientific research, and talented youth in a country and at a time where belief in science, scientists, or talented youth is scarce. A salute of profound respect and appreciation to this esteemed scientist and human being in an era devoid of humanity. He is Magdi Yacoub, ladies and gentlemen. And thanks to purposeful media.

#Sherif_Amer

#Yohdath_Fi_Masr

#Magdi_Yacoub

By Dr. Hamada Al-Antably