Prof. Dr. Ahmed Elwakeel
Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery · Cairo University
Over 20 years performing complex cardiac surgery with a philosophy built on a single principle: every patient deserves the full picture — including when the honest answer is that surgery is not the right path.
- Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University
- 20+ years in complex open-heart surgery for adults and children
- Member — American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS)
- Member — European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS)
- Host of "Heart Street" — medical education TV programme, Egypt
A Scientific and Humanitarian Journey
Prof. Dr. Ahmed Elwakeel is an Associate Professor in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University — one of the region's leading specialists in complex open-heart surgery for adults and children across the Middle East and Africa. He graduated from Cairo University Faculty of Medicine and completed his surgical training at specialist centres both in Egypt and internationally.
"In medicine, we move toward the most dangerous possibility first to rule it out — not toward the easiest. That protects patients from decisions that seem logical but are not the right ones."
His expertise spans valve surgery — including mitral valve repair and replacement, aortic valve surgery, and the Ozaki procedure — as well as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) both on-pump and Off-Pump, ascending aortic surgery, and redo operations that other centres decline. He is known for taking on cases referred as inoperable and providing an independent, evidence-based assessment of surgical risk.
In paediatric cardiac surgery, he performs operations for congenital defects in infants and children and follows patients with congenital heart disease into adulthood (GUCH — Grown-Up Congenital Heart Disease). He believes that the correct timing of intervention makes a fundamental difference to long-term quality of life.
He founded Egypt Heart Clinic with a clear philosophy: every patient receives an accurate diagnosis, a written treatment plan in a language they understand, and the full truth — including cases where declining surgery is the smarter decision. International patients receive second opinions in English or Arabic with a written report within 48 hours.
Three Principles We Never Compromise
These are not slogans — they are the daily decisions that govern how we work.
Honesty Before Surgery
We only recommend surgery when it is genuinely the right choice. If watchful waiting, medication, or simply doing nothing is the smarter option, we say so clearly — even if that means we don't operate.
A Written Plan You Can Understand
Every patient leaves with a written treatment plan in their language — explaining diagnosis, options, risks, and expected outcomes. No unexplained medical jargon. No decisions without understanding. English or Arabic.
The Patient Is a Partner in the Decision
We believe a patient is not simply a patient — they are a person with the right to know and to choose. Our role is to explain clearly, support fully, and present options honestly. The final decision is always theirs.
What We Treat
Six surgical specialties led by a team sharing the same philosophy and the same standards.
Adult Cardiac Surgery
Valve repair and replacement, coronary artery bypass (CABG), ascending aorta, and redo operations.
Paediatric & Congenital
Congenital heart defects in infants and children, and follow-up into adulthood (GUCH programme).
Thoracic Surgery
Lung and mediastinal tumours, VATS (minimally invasive), pectus excavatum, and pleural disease.
Redo Operations
Cases previously operated at other centres requiring re-intervention — precise risk assessment and a clear plan.
Second Medical Opinion
Independent review of your scans and reports within 48 hours — written report, video explanation, English or Arabic.
High-Risk & Complex Cases
Diabetes, renal impairment, poor ventricular function, elderly patients — objective assessment, not blanket refusal.
Experience Built on Science and Practice
Academic milestones and professional accomplishments that shaped a comprehensive surgical vision.
Faculty of Medicine — Cairo University
Graduated from one of the Arab world's most prestigious medical faculties and began his surgical residency in cardiothoracic surgery at Cairo University Hospitals.
Cardiac Surgery Fellowships — Egypt & Internationally
Completed specialist training in valve surgery, coronary artery bypass grafting, and paediatric cardiac surgery — with deep focus on mitral valve repair and Off-Pump CABG techniques.
Associate Professor — Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University
Joined the academic staff at Cairo University, where he teaches and supervises future generations of cardiac surgeons, participates in research, and presents at international conferences.
AATS · EACTS · Egyptian Society of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Member of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) and the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) — attending annual meetings and contributing to the adoption of the latest surgical techniques in Egypt.
Host of "Heart Street" — Egyptian Television
Hosts the specialist medical programme "Heart Street" with over 24 educational episodes covering cardiac and thoracic conditions. All episodes are freely available on the Egypt Heart Clinic YouTube channel.
Egypt Heart Clinic — Dokki & Shubra El Kheima Branches
Founded Egypt Heart Clinic to deliver integrated cardiac care in an environment that speaks the patient's language — with a 48-hour second opinion service available internationally in English or Arabic.
Surgery at Accredited Hospitals
Operations are performed at first-class hospitals equipped with the latest critical care and surgical facilities.
Salam International Hospital
Cairo — one of Egypt's largest private hospitals, with a fully equipped cardiac surgery unit and comprehensive critical care.
Dar Al Fouad Hospital
Giza — a specialist cardiac and surgical hospital with multiple operating theatres and an integrated intensive care unit.
Military Hospitals
Collaboration with Egypt's military hospital network, providing specialist cardiac surgical care in a well-equipped environment.
"Heart Street" — Medical Education in Plain Language
A specialist television programme hosted by Prof. Dr. Ahmed Elwakeel, covering cardiac and thoracic conditions in an honest, accessible style — answering the questions patients are afraid to ask in the consulting room.
Over 24 episodes are freely available on the Egypt Heart Clinic YouTube channel. While recorded in Arabic, the programme is an extension of the clinic's core belief: patients deserve to understand their own hearts.
Watch episodes on YouTubeWe're Ready to Answer Your Questions
Whether you're seeking a second opinion before a surgical decision, need a precise diagnosis for a complex condition, or simply want to understand your cardiac health more clearly — we respond in English or Arabic within 48 hours.