After being named in 1948 as chairman of surgery and later as the school's president, Dr. DeBakey influenced, initiated or coerced many changes that resulted in positive growth for Baylor and eventually for the Harris County Hospital District. I am proud and privileged to have worked with and known Dr. DeBakey, someone who has contributed enormously to the field of medicine, brought international acclaim to Baylor and made it possible for indigent health care to make tremendous strides in Houston, Texas. You have in your hands the book written by Dr. Michael DeBakey - a man with a gift of performing miracles. Life is harsh on the human heart. Life's numerous stresses take a very heavy toll on the heart.
Nobody is spared.
Sometimes a moment comes when there is a danger of cardiac arrest. In this case, neither family nor friends can be of help. It all remains in the hands of Providence and also - the physician. In the fall of 1996, after a stressful election campaign, I was in need of heart surgery. One of the first to come to my aid was Professor Michael DeBakey.