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Society For Vascular Surgery Honors Dr. Michael DeBakey
CHICAGO (July 14, 2008) —
The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) honors the life of Dr. Michael DeBakey, a member who contributed greatly to the establishment of the specialty of vascular surgery. Dr. DeBakey died on July 11, 2008.
In April this year, at age 99, he was presented the Congressional Gold Medal for a lifetime of achievement in medicine by President George W. Bush. Previously in 1969, President Lyndon Johnson awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and in 1987 President Ronald Regan presented him the National Medal of Science.
“Every vascular surgeon owes Dr. DeBakey an enormous debt of gratitude for pioneering the procedures we use today in treating vascular disease,” said Dr. G. Patrick Clagett, SVS president. “His contributions are immeasurable.”
The Congressional Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest civilian honor and has been awarded sparingly. He received the award because of his lifetime contributions to and impact on medicine including inventing medical devices and procedures for helping create the military’s Mobile Army Surgical Hospitals. Dr. DeBakey used the opportunity to speak to Congress about health care for the needy saying, “I know that you have been working on this for many, many years.” Specifically, he called on lawmakers provide higher-quality care at lower costs than many other medical services both in and out of government.
In April this year, at age 99, he was presented the Congressional Gold Medal for a lifetime of achievement in medicine by President George W. Bush. Previously in 1969, President Lyndon Johnson awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and in 1987 President Ronald Regan presented him the National Medal of Science.
“Every vascular surgeon owes Dr. DeBakey an enormous debt of gratitude for pioneering the procedures we use today in treating vascular disease,” said Dr. G. Patrick Clagett, SVS president. “His contributions are immeasurable.”
The Congressional Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest civilian honor and has been awarded sparingly. He received the award because of his lifetime contributions to and impact on medicine including inventing medical devices and procedures for helping create the military’s Mobile Army Surgical Hospitals. Dr. DeBakey used the opportunity to speak to Congress about health care for the needy saying, “I know that you have been working on this for many, many years.” Specifically, he called on lawmakers provide higher-quality care at lower costs than many other medical services both in and out of government.
About the Society for Vascular Surgery
The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) is a not-for-profit medical society that seeks to advance excellence and innovation in vascular health through education, advocacy, research and public awareness. SVS is the national advocate for 2,600 vascular surgeons dedicated to the prevention and cure of vascular disease.
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Society for Vascular Surgery - 633 N. St. Clair, 24th Floor; Chicago, IL 60611; Phone: 312-334-2300 or 800-258-7188; Fax: 312-334-2320; Email: vascular@vascularsociety.org
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© 2009 VascularWeb. All rights reserved. Use of the VascularWeb site constitutes acceptance of all of the policies, rules and regulations for the site.