An Historic Joint Meeting of Surgical Societies
Houston, Texas (June 18, 2010)
– The world's attention was captured in late 2007 when a 40-year feud was dissolved between internationally renowned cardiovascular surgeons Denton A. Cooley and Michael E. DeBakey. Their reconciliation led to honorary membership for each other in their respective professional surgical societies.
This past week, June 10-13, the two assemblies met for their first ever jointly-sponsored surgical symposium at Barton Creek Conference Center in Austin, Texas. Dr. Cooley and Dr. Joseph Coselli served as co-directors for the continuing education event. More than 200 attendees heard a stellar faculty speak to issues covering the gamut of technical advances for cardiac assist devices, transplantation, lung cancer, pediatric and adult congenital heart disease, endovascular repair and spinal cord protection during treatment of thoracic aneurysms, and national health care reform. Of particular interest was the presentation by Dr. Roy W. Smythe, who recounted the tragedy, heroism and lessons learned from management of mass casualty trauma which occurred at Fort Hood on November 5, 2009.
Dr. Francisco G. Cigarroa, Chancellor, The University of Texas System, (second from left) received the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society's International Recognition Award on June 11th. Joining him (from left) were Dr. Coselli, Dr. James T. Willerson, president of Texas Heart Institute, and Dr. Cooley.
During the "Legends Dinner" on June 12th, Drs. F. Charles Brunicardi and Joseph S. Coselli paid tribute to the namesakes of these societies. Dr. O. H. "Bud" Frazier presented the 2010 Barney Clark Award to Dr. Cooley on behalf of the Medforte Research Foundation in conjunction with the Utah Artificial Heart Institute.
Leaders for the respective groups include Drs. Coselli (Houston) and Robert Salem (Lubbock), the current and incoming presidents, respectively, for the DeBakey Society. Dr. Ugo Tesler (Milan) continues as president of the Cooley Society; Dr. Coselli is president-elect. Executive Boards of both societies held business meetings and look forward to their next meeting in 2012.
Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society
For media inquiries please contact:
Texas Heart Institute
Frank Michel ♦ 713-218-2210 or 832-355-9246
Email: fmichel@heart.thi.tmc.edu
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