Surgeon’s pioneering life

Sensationalist description

Regarding: “Biography explores life of cardiovascular pioneer DeBakey,” (G7, Dec. 29): Ruth SoRelle fails in reviewing this biography. While declaring the 610page book a “milestone” achievement, she focuses on one chapter.

SoRelle’s sensationalist description of Dr. Denton Cooley as Dr. Michael DeBakey’s “nemesis,” or adversary, is inappropriate. During the months of Baylor College of Medicine’s investigation of Cooley in 1969, then-BCM President DeBakey could not communicate directly with him. Following Cooley’s resignation and for all the decades of their estrangement, DeBakey never spoke of him unfavorably. His attitude is clear in his thoughtful Sept. 11, 1969, letter accepting Cooley’s resignation: “It is regrettable that you find it impossible to comply with the requirements for human research and medical ethics recommended by the faculty of Baylor College of Medicine and accepted by all similar creditable institutions.”

SoRelle says biographer Miller “comes down firmly on DeBakey’s side in the controversy” regarding the spring 1969 episode that led to Cooley’s resignation. The facts of his misjudgment and the resulting censure by his peers are indisputable. Admitted to by Cooley in later interviews, they are confirmed in the 2011 history of the college by BCM Chancellor Dr. William Butler. It is stunning that SoRelle should imply a half-century later that the episode remains “controversial.”

SoRelle’s chief oversight, however, is DeBakey’s 1968-1969 critical role in making BCM independent, thus enabling the college to become the primary engine of growth and development for our Texas Medical Center. Dennis A. DeBakey, Houston