I read with great interest the article ‘Heart transplantations’ by Alex Manchè (September 9).

Allow me to express my unreserved admiration towards this unique surgeon we are so lucky to have in Malta. I speak from experience.

A few months ago, I needed open heart surgery. He was on the spot within a short time. With his usual soft spoken and endearing manner he helped me in no small way to accept the reality of the situation with a calm mind. After the successful operation he followed my progress in a most scrupulous manner.

I met with several patients who had just benefitted from his service. All of them emphasise the complete dedication of this surgeon on a 24/7 basis. He is never too busy. Always at the other end of the phone, he answers one’s queries patiently and reassuringly. He is at all times within reach. Every patient is special for him.

I suppose he is the personification of what a Maltese would consider tabib ta’ veru.

He is undoubtedly a true Renaissance man. Besides being an accomplished artist whose paintings are of very high standard, he is also an excellent pianist, a lover of the arts and culture in general, very well-read and truly gifted in the arts of writing and speech delivery. All this makes him a very outstanding personality.

But what attracts me most is his unassuming humility. A great man is one who does not force his size on others but one who gracefully allows his over-reaching shadow to reflect his true stature.

Alex Manchè is all this.