WASHINGTON—July 14, 2008—"The loss of Dr. DeBakey, who was an honorary director of Research!America since its founding, is a personal loss for me and a substantial loss to the scientific community and all those who care about the benefits of research. As a world-renowned American heart surgeon, innovator, medical educator and international medical statesman, his manifold, groundbreaking contributions to the field of medicine spanned the better part of 75 years.
"He was most certainly ahead of his time. And scientists, members of Congress and multiple administrations never stopped heeding his advice. As an outspoken advocate for health and medical research, he and his generation put the U.S. squarely in the lead, scientifically—with the support of the nation and our elected officials.
"It would be a marvelous tribute to his life and legacy, the countless scientists he mentored and inspired, the countless lives he helped prolong and save, and the nation's overall health and economic progress if the next administration renewed the vigor of our nation's investment in research so that more innovators like Dr. DeBakey can make medical breakthroughs here at home and around the world."
Research!America is the nation's largest not-for-profit public education and advocacy alliance working to make research to improve health a higher national priority. Founded in 1989, Research!America is supported by 500 member organizations that represent the voices of 125 million Americans.
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