The medical community mourns Professor Dr. Ahmed Hassouna, the renowned editor of The Cardiothoracic Surgeon journal (1957–2024)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Professor Dr. Ahmed Hassouna, the former Editor in Chief of The Cardiothoracic Surgeon journal, a renowned figure in the field of cardiothoracic surgery, biostatistics, and a true pillar of the Egyptian medical community. Prof. Hassouna left this world on the 8th of February 2024, leaving a legacy that will forever be remembered.

Professor Dr. Ahmed Hassouna (1957–2024)

Professor Hassouna began his accomplished career in medicine with a graduation from Ain Shams University in Egypt in 1981. He further distinguished himself through specialized studies in France, earning a diploma in microsurgical research from Aix-Marseille University in 1989. His pursuit of knowledge continued at the Paris VI University Faculty of Pierre et Marie Curie, where he obtained a diploma in medical statistics in 1990. This dedication to lifelong learning and a focus on advanced surgical techniques equipped Professor Hassouna with the expertise that would shape his remarkable career. Throughout his illustrious career, Prof. Hassouna made significant contributions to the field of biostatistics and medical research. He dedicated his life to advancing the understanding and application of statistical methods in clinical practice among the Egyptian medical community.

Professor Hassouna’s impact extended far beyond his role as an educator. He served as a Biostatistics Consultant for the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population from 2013, where his expertise guided important decisions and policies that improved the healthcare system in Egypt. He has also served as a member of the Egyptian Supreme Council Committee for promoting professors since 2013, playing a vital role in elevating academic standards and advancing higher education in the country.

One of Prof. Hassouna’s greatest passions was nurturing young talent. He recognized the importance of supporting undergraduate student research activity in Egypt and actively encouraged and mentored aspiring researchers. His guidance and wisdom inspired numerous students to pursue careers in the medical and statistical fields, leaving an indelible mark on the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Prof. Hassouna sharing his expertise with future generations of young Egyptian researchers.

In addition to his numerous accomplishments, Prof. Hassouna authored the influential book Statistics for Clinicians: How Much Should a Doctor Know? which was published in 2023 [1]. This seminal work provided invaluable insights into integrating statistical concepts into medical practice, bridging the gap between medicine and statistics, and influencing medical education worldwide. Additionally, Prof. Hassouna founded the TRUST Research Center in 2017 to recognize the need for dedicated research resources.

Furthermore, Prof. Hassouna achieved a significant milestone during his tenure as the Editor in Chief of The Cardiothoracic Surgeon journal. Under his visionary leadership, the journal experienced remarkable growth and success, aiding in publishing high-quality articles that contributed to the advancement of cardiothoracic surgery. Under Professor Hassouna’s guidance, the journal received its first-ever impact factor, a testament to his relentless pursuit of academic excellence and his dedication to promoting the dissemination of valuable scientific knowledge to the global medical community. His contributions to the journal will forever be remembered as a significant milestone in cardiothoracic surgery and a testament to his outstanding leadership and commitment to advancing medical research. Moreover, The Cardiothoracic Surgeon journal witnessed the publication of the last original research of Prof. Hassouna [2] before dedicating his time to education and book authorship. In a testament to his unwavering dedication, Prof. Hassouna tirelessly served the journal until his final breath, meticulously processing articles mere hours before his passing [3, 4].

Prof. Hassouna will be remembered for his immense contributions to cardiothoracic surgery and biostatistics, his unwavering dedication to education, and his tireless efforts to advance medical research in Egypt. His kindness, wisdom, and passion for excellence touched the lives of countless individuals, and his legacy will continue to shape the future of medicine and statistics for generations to come.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Prof. Hassouna’s family, friends, colleagues, students, and all those who had the honor of knowing him. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his memory be a source of inspiration and comfort to us all.