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Former President Bush, others comment on the passing of Dr. Debakey
06:46 PM CDT on Saturday, July 12, 2008
HOUSTON -- Reaction to the death of Dr. Michael DeBakey, famed Houston heart surgeon, who died Friday night at a Houston hospital at the age of 99:
AP photo
Dr. Debakey touched many along the way.
"Dr. Michael DeBakey was a true international gem. People came from far and wide to be treated by him. In addition, he was a wonderful citizen of Houston, and Barbara and mourn his loss. We not only had great respect for him, we valued our friendship with him." -- Former President George Bush
“His impact on the field of cardiac surgery has been extraordinary. Although many remarkable and talented cardiac surgeons have made the field what it is today, in a way, Mike, has been the architect of the field’s foundations.” --Claude L’Enfant, director of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health in Washington
“He was a great leader not only in surgical technique but in education and the relationship of federal funding to practical matters that impact patients.” -- Dr. O.H. “Bud” Frazier, a heart surgeon who trained under Dr. DeBakey
“He could be sweet as dripping honey when it came to patients and medical students, but could be brutal with surgical residents. I guess he was trying to make us tough.” -- Dr. Jeremy R. Morton, a retired heart surgeon in Portland, Maine, who trained under Dr. DeBakey
“Dr. DeBakey was never afraid to challenge the status quo, often going against the tide. Some times his colleagues did not really accept his visionary ideas, particularly as he propelled beyond the boundaries of existing scientific dogma." -- Dr. William T. Butler, a colleague of Dr. DeBakey at the Baylor College of Medicine
"Dr. DeBakey is a legendary figure in medicine and a mentor to hundreds of practicing doctors and medical students. The full weight of his contributions may not be known for many years, but everyone who knew him gravitated to his kindness, warmth, and spirit. He was still innovating in medicine until his last breath. My prayers are with the entire DeBakey family.” -- Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Texas’s senior Senator
Slideshow: Dr. DeBakey's career
Slideshow: Surgeon to celebrities
Slideshow: Through the years
July 2008: President Bush and others comment on DeBakey's passing
April 2008: DeBakey bio
April 2008: Dr. DeBakey's receives Congressional Gold Medal
November 2007: Legendary heart surgeons end long feud
“He had a burning desire to reach the top and be recognized as the leader in his field. He wanted to be a leader and an inspirer.” -- Dr. Denton A. Cooley, famed Houston heart surgeon, one-time DeBakey associate and longtime professional rival.
“His legacy will not only include his many cutting-edge surgical discoveries but also the many doctors who were able to train under his supervision—and are now able to continue in his footsteps.” -- U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas.
“Dr. DeBakey’s skills as a surgeon and manager, along with his deep commitment to military personnel and veterans, has created a legacy of service that will never be equalled. He has touched counteless lives and, more importantly, he has saved and enriched countless lives.” -- Dr. James B. Peake, U.S. Veterans Affairs secretary
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