Authorized by Public Law 110-95, this medal was struck to honor Dr. Michael E. DeBakey, M.D. for his many outstanding contributions as a heart surgeon to the Nation. This medal is a bronze replica of the Congressional Gold Medal presented to Dr. DeBakey at a ceremony at the United States Capitol building on April 23, 2008.

The obverse design depicts Dr. DeBakey in full scrubs with a surgery team in the background. It includes the inscriptions “MICHAEL E. DEBAKEY, M.D.” and “ACT OF CONGRESS 2007.”

The reverse design features an anatomical heart placed prominently over a globe, representing Dr. DeBakey’s teachings on cardiovascular procedures to surgeons around the world. The heart is encircled by a ribbon with the inscription, “THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE HAS BEEN MY OBJECTIVE IN LIFE,” a quote by Dr. DeBakey.