Learn About The 50 States
Michael DeBakey (1908)close
Born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Dr. Michael DeBakey was a pioneer in the field of cardiac care and surgery. At age 23, he inventor one of the components of the heart-lung bypass machine, making open-heart surgery possible. He contributed toward the technology that made the first external artificial heart, and developed the use of Dacron grafts for repairing blood vessels. He is said to have operated on more than 50,000 patients over his long career as a surgeon.
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Looking for a famous American?
This page presents short biographies of more than 200 famous Americans drawn from our unit, "The 50 States." These personalities are arranged by theme.
Just click a theme at the top of the page to view a selection list for that theme.
African Americans:
Artists:
Business Leaders:
National "Characters":
| Phineas Taylor "P.T." Barnum | Clyde Barrow | John Wilkes Booth |
| Butch Cassidy | William "Buffalo Bill" Cody | Davy Crockett |
| Jesse James | Evel Knievel | Harland David "Colonel" Sanders |
| Jefferson R. "Soapy" Smith |
Cultural Figures:
Inventors:
Pioneers and "Firsts":
Politicians & Activists:
Scientists:
Sports Figures:
Accomplished Women:
Writers & Poets: