Michael DeBakey (1908–2008) was an American cardiac surgeon renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to cardiovascular medicine. Pioneering innovations like the roller pump and ventricular assist device revolutionized heart surgery. He performed thousands of surgeries, including coronary artery bypass grafting and aortic aneurysm repair. As chair of surgery at Baylor College of Medicine, he established the Michael E. DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center. DeBakey advocated for public health initiatives, particularly against smoking, and emphasized healthy lifestyle choices to prevent heart disease. His accolades include the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the National Medal of Science, and the Lasker Award. Throughout his career, he shaped modern cardiac surgery, leaving an indelible mark on medicine. Michael DeBakey’s legacy continues to inspire advancements in cardiovascular care, reflecting his unwavering dedication to improving human health and saving lives.

Michael DeBakey Quotes

1. “Real success requires respect for and faithfulness to the highest human values-honesty, integrity, self-discipline, dignity, compassion, humility, courage, personal responsibility, courtesy, and human service.”
— Michael E. DeBakey

2. “The natural history of science is the study of the unknown. If you fear it you’re not going to study it and you’re not going to make any progress.”
— Michael E. DeBakey

3. “Often a healing takes place in ourselves as we pray for the healing of others.”
— Michael E. DeBakey

4. “An inquiring, analytical mind; an unquenchable thirst for new knowledge; and a heartfelt compassion for the ailing – these are prominent traits among the committed clinicians who have preserved the passion for medicine.”
— Michael E. DeBakey

5. “I think human beings have an innate desire to help each other. And whether you’re in medicine or anything else, if you see someone that you can help…you get a gratification from doing it. In fact, I think that is perhaps the most important, you might say, fabric that holds the society together.”
— Michael E. DeBakey

6. “Good information is the best medicine.”
— Michael E. DeBakey

7. “I have little tolerance for incompetence, sloppy thinking, and laziness.”
— Michael E. DeBakey

8. “Studying music encourages self-discipline and diligence, traits that carry over into intellectual pursuits and that lead to effective study and work habits. An association of music and math has, in fact, long been noted. Creating and performing music promotes self-expression and provides self-gratification while giving pleasure to others. In medicine, increasing published reports demonstrate that music has a healing effect on patients. For all these reasons, it deserves strong support in our educational system, along with the other arts, the sciences, and athletics.”
— Michael E. DeBakey