Photo by: VA News
This week we are highlighting, Dr. Michael Ellis DeBakey was a pioneering Arab American surgeon, born 1908, in Louisiana, to Lebanese immigrant parents.
DeBakey graduated with honors from Tulane University in New Orleans in 1930 and earned his medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine in 1932. When he joined the faculty of the university, he began his groundbreaking work in cardiovascular surgery. During the second world war he served in the Army medical corps, developing new methods of treating battlefield injuries. After the war in 1953 he performed a surgery to remove blockage from the neck arteries. He also introduced the use of external heart pump successfully. In the 60’s he pioneered the development of the artificial heart and heart transplantation. He authored over 1000 medical publications, established the National Library of Medicine. DeBakey received numerous awards and honors, including the highest civilian award, the congressional gold medal, and when he passed away in 2008, he left behind a legacy of innovation and excellence.
You can read more about DeBakey with the link below.
