A Surgical Nerd's Dream: Touring the Michael E. DeBakey Library and Museum

Hi, I’m Lindsey — and I’m a self-proclaimed surgical nerd.

Honestly, I think most of us in the OR are, deep down. But I tend to take it a bit further than some of my colleagues. I love diving into the history of surgery — where we've been, how far we've come, and what the future might hold.

I’ve always found myself wondering: Why are instruments named the way they are? Who was the person behind the name? Did the Army or Navy actually invent the Army-Navy? And who was Dr. Bookwalter, anyway?

We’re lucky that many of those questions can be answered with a quick online search. But sometimes, you stumble onto something better.

A Chance Encounter in Houston

Back in 2014, I was working as a traveler at Memorial Hermann in Houston, Texas. One afternoon, I took the scenic route from the parking garage to the hospital, enjoying a particularly beautiful Texas day, when I spotted a sign: Michael E. DeBakey Library/Museum.

Wait — Museum? Now I was intrigued...

That evening, I looked it up online and was thrilled to learn that the library was open to the public and featured exhibits on Dr. DeBakey’s life and surgical legacy. A few days later, I decided to make a visit.

More Than Just a Display Case

Photo Credit: Houston Public Media

I expected a few old instruments, maybe a couple of books and photos. What I found was an entire museum dedicated to the father of cardiovascular surgery.

At the time, I wasn’t even working in cardiac, but I was completely captivated. The exhibits, the innovation, the stories... I left in awe. And even now, more than a decade later, that memory still stands out.

The Return Trip — With Fresh Eyes

Fast forward to March 2024. I had a trip planned to Houston to visit a friend, and this time, I knew I had to go back — not just as a surgical nerd, but now as a cardiac surgical nurse.

Let me tell you — the second visit was even more incredible.

I wandered the museum for three hours, reading every word. I watched videos of Dr. DeBakey performing surgeries in the 1970s. I explored literature covering his pioneering procedures and marveled at the celebrities and global dignitaries he treated throughout his life. It’s truly mind-blowing how one man changed the course of medicine.

Bringing You Along for the Ride

But this visit wasn’t just for me — it was for you, too. I know not everyone can hop on a plane and visit Houston, so I made it a mission to take it all in and share it here. If you love surgery, history, or just enjoy learning about the people who shaped the field we work in every day — this museum is for you.

So, come with me on a virtual tour of the Michael E. DeBakey Library and Museum at Baylor College of Medicine in the Texas Medical Center in Houston. Whether you’re new to the OR or a seasoned cardiac vet, you’re sure to be inspired! Just click through the slideshow and see a few of my favorites from the museum.

Thank you for enjoying a few of the highlights of the museum! I hope you enjoyed the photos, and I hope that one day you're able to visit this museum yourself!

Until next time,

Lindsey