Congressman Al Green Introduces Bill to Award Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. Michael E. DeBakey

(Washington, DC)--Today, Congressman Al Green (TX-09) introduced a bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. Michael E. DeBakey.  The bill was introduced with 10 original co-sponsors, including Republican leads, Congressman Michael Burgess (TX-26) and Congressman John Culberson (TX-07).

"Dr. Michael DeBakey is a pioneer who has dedicated his life to saving the lives of others," Congressman Al Green said.  "His innovative research has had an immeasurable impact on the field of medicine both nationally and internationally."

In the early 1940s, Dr. DeBakey volunteered for military service, joining the Surgeon General's staff and rising to the rank of Colonel and Chief of the Surgical Consultants Division. He went to Europe, where he performed surgery, inspected field hospitals, and took an active role in caring for the wounded. This led to the development of mobile army surgical hospitals or M.A.S.H. units. His contributions earned him the Legion of Merit in 1945.

"Dr. DeBakey has earned a Congressional Gold Medal because of his many contributions to medical science.  As a representative of the Texas Medical Center, I am very proud to add my name as a cosponsor to this resolution," Congressman Culberson said.

Throughout his medical career, Dr. DeBakey has been involved in research related to all aspects of cardiothoracic and vascular surgery. His early research with the artificial heart and his testimony before Congress in 1963 led to the first Federal support of the artificial heart program.  In 1966, he performed the first successful human implantation of a partial artificial heart.  His innovations have saved the lives of millions of people worldwide.

"Dr. DeBakey is a legend in medical and humanitarian circles.  His work has spanned generations of physicians and almost every doctor alive is aware of his contributions to medicine and science.  It is entirely fitting that Congress bestow this long overdue honor on this most deserving and remarkable individual," Congressman Burgess said.

Dr. DeBakey has earned numerous awards and honors including Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, the National Medal of Science, and the American Legion Distinguished Service Award.  He has also been awarded 57 honorary degrees from colleges, universities, and medical schools across the country.

"At the age of 98, Dr. DeBakey has operated on more than 60,000 patients in Houston alone.  He has treated the very rich and the very poor, all with the same high standards of care and unwavering compassion.  He deserves to be recognized by the United States Congress for his outstanding service and commitment to the health and wellbeing of all people," Congressman Al Green said.