Remembering the Legacy of Professor Mohamed Ahmed Hassan
MBBS, FRCS, FRCSI (Hon), MS
Professor Emeritus
University of Khartoum
By Ahmed Hassan Fahal
The medical fraternity mourns the profound loss of Professor Mohamed Ahmed Hassan, a highly respected and distinguished human being whose impactful contributions have made an enduring impression across the realms of surgery, medical education, and the broader spectrum of humanity. Born on October 15, 1931, in El Obeid, Sudan, Prof. Hassan dedicated his life to advancing medical knowledge and training future generations of healthcare professionals.
Prof. Hassan’s illustrious career was defined by his unwavering commitment to excellence in surgery and academia. Graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Khartoum in 1958, he went on to achieve numerous milestones, including obtaining a Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) in England in 1963 and a Master of Surgery (MS) from the University of Khartoum in 1970. His exemplary achievements were further recognised with an Honorary Fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (FRCSI) in 1996.
Throughout his career, Prof. Hassan held various administrative positions within the University of Khartoum, including Head of the Department of Surgery, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Director of Postgraduate Medical Studies, and Head of the Department of Anatomy. His leadership and vision significantly shaped the landscape of medical education in Sudan.
Beyond his academic endeavours, Prof. Hassan’s influence extended globally as a Visiting Professor at prestigious institutions such as University College London, University of Alexandria in Egypt, Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia, and University of Sanaa in Yemen. He served as an Examiner for undergraduate and postgraduate students at renowned institutions, including the Royal Colleges of Surgeons in England and Ireland, as well as the Arab Board of Medical Specialisation. The Royal College of Surgeons of England bestowed upon him the distinction of being the inaugural overseas examiner, a recognition of his esteemed status within the field.
Prof. Hassan’s commitment to scholarly dissemination was evident through his membership on several editorial boards, including the British Journal of Surgery and the Editor of the Sudan Medical Journal, where his expertise contributed to the advancement of surgical knowledge. Additionally, he held leadership roles in professional organisations such as the Sudan Association of Surgeons and the Sudanese Society of Gastroenterology.
His extensive involvement in scientific conferences and committees underscored his dedication to sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration within the medical community. Prof. Hassan’s contributions to conferences and societies worldwide left an enduring impact on the field of surgery and medical education.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Prof. Hassan received numerous honours and decorations from esteemed organisations, including the Federal Ministry of Health in Sudan, the University of Khartoum, and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, among others.
Prof. Hassan’s legacy lives on through his extensive body of publications in various national and international scientific journals. His research has contributed significantly to the understanding and advancement of surgical practices and healthcare delivery.
As we pause to contemplate the life and remarkable accomplishments of Professor Hassan, we are struck by the profound influence he has wielded within the medical community. His enduring legacy of excellence, education, and compassion serves as a stimulus of inspiration for generations of medical professionals yet to come.
Professor Hassan’s impact transcends the boundaries of time and space, resonating deeply within the fabric of the medical profession. His unwavering commitment to excellence, evident in every aspect of his work, has set an unparalleled standard for aspiring practitioners. Whether in the operating theater, the lecture hall, or the corridors of academia, his dedication to achieving the highest levels of proficiency has left an indelible mark on the ethos of medical practice.
Moreover, Professor Hassan’s passion for education was not merely a professional obligation but a deeply ingrained ethos. As a mentor and educator, he invested himself wholeheartedly in the nurturing of future generations of healthcare professionals. His wisdom, guidance, and unwavering support instilled within his students a sense of purpose and a commitment to lifelong learning. Through his tireless efforts, he not only imparted knowledge but also cultivated a culture of intellectual curiosity and scholarly pursuit.
Perhaps most profoundly, Professor Hassan’s embodiment of compassion served as a guiding light for all who had the privilege of crossing paths with him. His genuine empathy and heartfelt concern for the well-being of others set him apart as a healer in the truest sense of the word. Whether comforting a patient in distress or offering solace to a colleague in need, his compassionate spirit touched the lives of all who encountered him.
Though Professor Hassan may no longer walk among us in physical form, his legacy endures, perpetuated by the countless lives he has touched and transformed. His spirit lives on in the hearts and minds of those who have been privileged to know him, serving as a source of inspiration and guidance in their professional and personal happenings.
As we pay tribute to Professor Mohamed Ahmed Hassan, we vow to honour his memory by upholding the principles of excellence, education, and compassion that he so passionately championed. We recognise that his teachings were not merely words spoken, but values lived, and we are committed to embodying those same principles in all facets of our lives. In doing so, we ensure that Professor Hassan’s legacy continues to shine brightly, illuminating the path for future generations of medical professionals as they strive for excellence in the noble pursuit of healing and service to humanity.