Mohamed Ahmed Hassan was head of the department of surgery at the University of Khartoum, Sudan. He was born on 15 October 1931 in El-Obeid, Sudan, the son of Abdel G Hassan, a merchant, and Fatima Ibrahim Hassan née El Imam, the daughter of a merchant. He graduated from the University of Khartoum in 1958 with an MB BS degree and went on to achieve numerous milestones. In 1963, he obtained his fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of England and, in 1970, he earned a masters of surgery degree, also from the University of Khartoum. Throughout his career, he 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 achievements, his influence extended globally as a visiting professor at several prestigious institutions, including University College London, the University of Alexandria in Egypt, Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia and the University of Sana’a in Yemen. He served as an examiner for undergraduate and postgraduate students at renowned institutions, including the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of England and in Ireland, as well as the Arab Board of Medical Specialisations. The Royal College of Surgeons of England honoured him by bestowing upon him the distinction of being the inaugural overseas member of its court of examiners, recognising his esteemed status in the field. Hassan’s legacy continues to inspire generations of medical professionals through his extensive publications in various national and international scientific journals. His research has significantly contributed to advancing surgical practices and healthcare delivery. He was a member of several editorial boards, including the *British Journal of Surgery*, and served as editor of the *Sudan Medical Journal*. Additionally, he held leadership positions in professional organisations including the Sudan Association of Surgeons and the Sudanese Society of Gastroenterology. His extensive involvement in scientific conferences and committees demonstrated his dedication to sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration within the medical community. Hassan’s contributions to conferences and societies worldwide had a lasting impact on the field of surgery and medical education. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, he received numerous honours and decorations from esteemed organisations, including the Federal Ministry of Health in Sudan and the University of Khartoum. He was awarded an honorary fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 1996. Hassan’s unwavering commitment to excellence, evident in every aspect of his work, has set an unparalleled standard for aspiring practitioners. Whether in the operating theatre, 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. His passion for education was not merely a professional obligation but a deeply ingrained ethos. As a mentor and educator, he nurtured generations of future healthcare professionals. His wisdom, guidance and unwavering support instilled in 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. His genuine empathy and heartfelt concern for others made him a true healer. Whether comforting a patient or offering solace to a colleague, his compassionate nature touched the lives of everyone he encountered. Mohamed A Hassan died following a short illness on 25 March 2024. He was survived by his wife Zeinab, a daughter, Hind, and two sons, Tarig and Khalid, who are also surgeons. His legacy of excellence, education and compassion endures in the countless lives he touched and transformed during his lifetime.