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| Vol. 25, No. 10 |
| June 1, 2003 |
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DeBakey Honored for Roll in Establishing Hospital By TINA FOSTER Harris County Hospital District More than 300 people attended the Harris County Hospital District Foundation Jubilee of Caring Gala April 30 to honor legendary heart surgeon Michael E. DeBakey, M.D. and recognize Ben Taub General Hospital’s 40th anniversary. The Ben Taub Humanitarian Award, named after the philanthropist who is partly credited with the creation of the Harris County Hospital District, was presented to DeBakey during the festivities. The award is given to individuals, foundations or corporations that significantly support the hospital district’s mission to the community. “It seems fitting that Dr. DeBakey is the recipient of this award because of his vital role in establishing Ben Taub Hospital as part of the Harris County Hospital District,” said Mary Spinks, chair of the hospital district’s board of managers. DeBakey described a historic conversation between Ben Taub and himself about the horrible patient conditions at an already overcrowded Jefferson Davis Hospital years ago. From that conversation began a long-lasting friendship and plans to create a new hospital staffed by Baylor College of Medicine. In May 1963, the Texas Medical Center welcomed the county’s newest hospital, Ben Taub General Hospital. In the past 40 years, Ben Taub staff have seen more than 1.2 million patients, delivered more than 200,000 babies and established a nationally renowned trauma center. DeBakey, who is chancellor emeritus at Baylor College of Medicine, has spent seven decades treating heart disease resulting in surgical, teaching and research breakthroughs. He’s become an international medical statesman, gaining fame and universal acclaim. County Judge Robert Eckels presented proclamations commemorating DeBakey and Ben Taub’s anniversary. Proceeds from the event will be used to fund the hospital district’s TroubleShooting for Health programs.
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