Heart Association Congratulates Pioneer Surgeon

WASHINGTON -- The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association is pleased that President Bush has signed legislation awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. Michael DeBakey. The medal is the nation's highest civilian award.
DeBakey, the heart surgeon who pioneered coronary bypass surgery and chancellor emeritus of Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, received the
association's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004 and its Gold Heart Award
in 1968. He's also a longtime member of the association's Council on
Cardiovascular Surgery.
"This recognition of DeBakey's lifesaving contributions to the field of
cardiovascular surgery is well-deserved," said Daniel W. Jones, M.D.,
president, American Heart Association. "We are delighted that Congress and
the president have bestowed this honor on an individual who has changed the
course of heart disease treatment with innovative surgical techniques."
DeBakey is known worldwide for his work in advancing coronary bypass
surgery and using a partial artificial heart for patients who could not be
weaned from a heart-lung machine after open-heart surgery. He received the
Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969 and the National Medal of Science in
1985.
DeBakey was elected the first president of the Baylor University
College of Medicine in 1969. He served on the university's staff from 1948
to 1993.
U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) and U.S. Representatives Al
Green (D-TX), Michael Burgess (R-TX) and John Culberson (R-TX) spearheaded
efforts in Congress to pass the legislation.

SOURCE American Heart Association