Famed cardiologist Michael Debakey died July 11 at the age of 99. He operated on over 60,000 people and the technology and procedures he developed were used by other surgeons to help millions.
From "Dr. Michael E. DeBakey, 99; preeminent cardiac surgeon saved millions with his breakthroughs" (Los Angeles Times):
DeBakey first saw a living heart in 1933, while he was a young intern at New Orleans Charity Hospital. Police had brought in a young stabbing victim and his pulsating heart could be clearly seen through the opening in his chest.
"I saw it beating and it was beautiful, a work of art, an awe-inspiring sight," he later told United Press International. "I still have an almost religious sense when I work on the heart. It is something God makes and we have yet to duplicate."
From CBS Evening News:
Debakey was known for wearing white cowboy boots in the OR, working 16-hour days, sleeping little, eating light, and shunning exercise.
Quite an amazing man!
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