Michael E. DeBakey Surgical Society

Dr. Michael E. DeBakey is internationally recognized as a pioneer of modern medicine. An ingenious medical inventor and innovator, a gifted and dedicated teacher, a premier surgeon, and an international medical statesman, this prolific surgeon and humanitarian performed more than 60,000 cardiovascular procedures and trained thousands of surgeons who practice around the world.

In 1976, a group of DeBakey’s trainees came together with the goal of founding an organization to honor Dr. DeBakey, provide a forum for international scientific exchange, recognize superior surgeons, and provide financial support for surgeons seeking postgraduate training at Baylor College of Medicine. The Michael E. DeBakey International Cardiovascular Surgical Society was founded Jan. 20, 1977, and subsequently was renamed the Michael E. DeBakey International Surgical Society. For more than 45 years, this organization has perpetuated Doctor DeBakey’s vision through education, training, and recognition. Society activities have included the DeBakey Surgical Award program, which recognizes outstanding surgeons who have made significant contributions in the field of surgery, and biennial meetings to provide the opportunity for education and international exchange of scientific advances and technology.

An award program biennially recognizes an outstanding surgeon for significant contributions in the field of surgery and a biennial meeting provides the opportunity for education and international exchange of scientific advances and technology.

In 2021, the Michael E. DeBakey International Surgical Society unanimously voted to transition the Society to the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery.  In 2022, the Michael E. DeBakey Surgical Society was formed with its Advisory committee representatives. The Society continues to date in its role to carry on the legacy of the department and connecting with its alumni across the world.