Dr. Michael DeBakey, a legendary surgeon, teacher and inventor, was honored with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award that can be given by the United States Congress. A native of Lake Charles, Louisiana, Dr. DeBakey earned his undergraduate and medical degrees from Tulane University in New Orleans, and he later served on the Tulane faculty. Last year, United States Senator Mary Landrieu, D-La., sponsored the legislation granting the award to Dr. DeBakey.

“Dr. DeBakey’s achievements and his contributions to the advancement of medical care have improved the lives of countless people across the globe,” Sen. Landrieu said. “With his roots in Lake Charles and education in New Orleans, Louisiana is proud to honor Dr. DeBakey’s distinguished career and proud to call him one of our own.”

President Bush presented the Congressional Gold Medal to 99-year-old Dr. DeBakey this morning. The award is given to individuals who perform outstanding deeds or acts of service to the security, prosperity and national interest of the United States.

Dr. DeBakey’s innovative research and surgical techniques revolutionized cardiovascular medicine. Across the world, he is recognized for inventing and refining several medical devices and procedures that are used daily to save lives.Two of his most significant inventions include the roller pump — an essential component of the heart-lung machine — and the DeBakey Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) — an apparatus implanted into the heart to increase blood flow.

He helped develop the Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) units that saved thousands of lives during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, and helped establish the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center Research System. Dr. DeBakey has advised nearly every president of the past 50 years, and he has received numerous awards from educational institutions, civic organizations, and governments worldwide, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1999.

Dr. Michael DeBakey, a legendary surgeon, teacher and inventor, was honored today with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award that can be given by the United States Congress. A native of Lake Charles, Louisiana, Dr. DeBakey earned his undergraduate and medical degrees from Tulane University in New Orleans, and he later served on the Tulane faculty. Last year, United States Senator Mary Landrieu, D-La., sponsored the legislation granting the award to Dr. DeBakey.

“Dr. DeBakey’s achievements and his contributions to the advancement of medical care have improved the lives of countless people across the globe,” Sen. Landrieu said. “With his roots in Lake Charles and education in New Orleans, Louisiana is proud to honor Dr. DeBakey’s distinguished career and proud to call him one of our own.”

President Bush presented the Congressional Gold Medal to 99-year-old Dr. DeBakey this morning. The award is given to individuals who perform outstanding deeds or acts of service to the security, prosperity and national interest of the United States.

Dr. DeBakey’s innovative research and surgical techniques revolutionized cardiovascular medicine. Across the world, he is recognized for inventing and refining several medical devices and procedures that are used daily to save lives. Two of his most significant inventions include the roller pump — an essential component of the heart-lung machine — and the DeBakey Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) — an apparatus implanted into the heart to increase blood flow.

He helped develop the Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) units that saved thousands of lives during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, and helped establish the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center Research System. Dr. DeBakey has advised nearly every president of the past 50 years, and he has received numerous awards from educational institutions, civic organizations, and governments worldwide, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1999.