WHEREAS, Doctor Denton A. Cooley, Surgeon-in-Chief of the Texas Heart Institute, has contributed immensely to the field of Cardiovascular Surgery both in the United States and abroad;

WHEREAS, he has established the Texas Heart Institute and transformed it into the busiest and one of the best and renowned Cardiovascular Surgery centers in the world;

WHEREAS, he has unselfishly opened the opportunity for cardiovascular surgeons and surgeons from various parts of the United States and other countries to train under him as Fellows in Cardiovascular Surgery;

WHEREAS, he is thus indirectly fostering international fellowship and better understanding among physicians from various parts of the world;

WHEREAS, he has genuinely inspired young cardiovascular surgeons in the pursuit of their careers;

WHEREAS, he has gained international fame as a cardiovascular surgeon and has been a credit to his profession and country; and

WHEREAS, it is only fitting and long overdue that a concrete and lasting recognition be bestowed upon this cardiovascular surgeon as an affirmation of our gratitude, respect and admiration for him,

THEREFORE be it resolved, as it is hereby resolved, that we, the undersigned Fellows in Cardiovascular Surgery of the Texas Heart Institute, organize a DENTON A. COOLEY CARDIOVASCULAR SURGICAL SOCIETY as a tribute of our gratitude, respect and admiration for him.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this Society shall mainly function as a professional association whose aims will be to further the education of interested cardiovascular surgeons by sponsoring scientific meetings, symposia, surgical demonstrations, etc., and help contribute to the progress of Cardiovascular Surgery.

FOUNDING MEMBERS, MARCH 13, 1972
Philip S. Chua, M.D., Chairman and Founding President
Alfonso Chiscano, MD, Vice-Chairman
Grady L. Hallman, MD
Don C. Wukasch, MD, Secretary
Brian Buxton, MD
James R. Bruner, MD
Shu H. Chu, MD
Edward D’Souza, MD
Rostam Fardin, MD
A. M. Jatoi, MD
Bruno J. Messmer, MD
John C. Norman, MD
J. Nozick, MD
Paulo Prates, MD
John Robinson, MD
Jesus Romero, MD
Frank M. Sandiford, MD
Rogelio Ventemiglia, MD
Leopoldo Zorrilla, MD