Marius Barnard (surgeon)

South African cardiac surgeon and inventor of critical illness insurance

Marius Barnard in 1968

Marius Barnard (3 November 1927 – 14 November 2014) was a renowned South African cardiac surgeon and inventor of critical illness insurance. He was part of the surgical team that performed the world's first human-to-human heart transplant alongside his brother, Christiaan Barnard.

Early life and education

Marius Barnard was born in Beaufort West, a small town in the Western Cape province of South Africa. He was the eighth of ten children in the Barnard family. His father, Adam Barnard, was a minister in the Dutch Reformed Church, and his mother, Maria, was a homemaker. Marius attended Beaufort West High School and later pursued a medical degree at the University of Cape Town, where he graduated in 1950.

Medical career

After completing his medical degree, Barnard worked as a general practitioner in Ceres, South Africa. He then specialized in surgery and joined the Department of Surgery at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town. It was here that he worked under the mentorship of Professor Jannie Louw, a prominent South African surgeon.

In 1967, Marius Barnard was part of the surgical team that assisted his brother, Christiaan Barnard, in performing the first successful human heart transplant. This groundbreaking operation brought international fame to the Barnard brothers and established Groote Schuur Hospital as a leading center for cardiac surgery.

Invention of critical illness insurance

Marius Barnard's experience as a surgeon led him to recognize the financial impact of serious illnesses on patients and their families. In response, he developed the concept of critical illness insurance, which provides a lump sum payment to policyholders upon the diagnosis of a serious illness. This innovation has since become a standard offering in the insurance industry worldwide, providing financial support to millions of people facing life-threatening health conditions.

Political career

In addition to his medical career, Marius Barnard was also active in politics. He served as a member of the South African Parliament from 1980 to 1989, representing the Progressive Federal Party. During his tenure, he advocated for healthcare reform and the improvement of medical services in South Africa.

Later life and legacy

After retiring from active surgery, Barnard continued to promote critical illness insurance and worked as a consultant for various insurance companies. He also authored several books and articles on medical and financial topics.

Marius Barnard passed away on 14 November 2014 in George, South Africa. His contributions to medicine and the insurance industry have left a lasting impact, and he is remembered as a pioneer in both fields.

Related pages

• Christiaan Barnard
• Heart transplant
• Groote Schuur Hospital
• Critical illness insurance