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4 unusual facts about Christiaan Barnard


Brian Barratt-Boyes

In recognition of these and other achievements he was knighted in 1971 further confirming a national prominence comparable to that achieved by René Favaloro in Argentina and Christiaan Barnard in South Africa.

Cristóbal Martínez-Bordiú, 10th Marquis of Villaverde

Since he was a heart surgeon and great friend and admirer of Dr. Christiaan Barnard, he became the first Spaniard to perform a heart transplant in September 1968.

Louis Washkansky

He was first seen by Dr. Barry Kaplan, who in July 1966 had asked if Mr Christiaan Barnard would be willing to attend Washkansky.

Norman Shumway

alongside future fellow transplantation pioneer Christiaan Barnard, and was awarded a surgical doctorate in 1956.


C. Walton Lillehei

A dedicated educator, Lillehei trained more than 150 cardiac surgeons from 40 nations, including Norman Shumway and Christiaan Barnard, who formed half of the quartet which pioneered heart transplantation (the others being Richard Lower and Adrian Kantrowitz).


see also