[Michael Ellis DeBakey (1908-2008): a short biography]

On July 11, 2008, expired in Houston, Texas, Michael Ellis DeBakey, who was a legendary figure of Medicine of the XX century and of cardiovascular surgery in particular, due to the enormous contributions he gave to the progress and development of contemporary cardiac and vascular surgery. Michael Ellis DeBakey can be remembered as well as a distinguished investigator, educator, academician and medical statesman, recognized and admired in his country and all over the world, including Portugal. The course of his life and major achievements are described and remembered, as a single tribute payed by a former disciple, bringing to the new generations of physicians the example of a fully active, criative and laborious life committed and devoted to the fight against disease and promotion of mankind welfare.