Dr. Michael DeBakey, a Lebanese-American, was born in Louisiana, but became a medical pioneer while working in Houston, Texas. Dr. DeBakey is credited with developing the artificial heart, as well as other medical innovations.

Dr. Benjy Brooks was the first female pediatric surgeon in Texas. Born in Lewisville, Texas, Brooks always aspired to become a doctor. After earning a master’s degree from North Texas State Teacher’s College, Brooks taught high school science for four years.

Brooks then decided to enter medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. She completed her medical degree in 1944.

Michael Dell was born in Houston, Texas. Dell started his business at age 19, while he was a student at the University of Texas at Austin. Dell Computers was started with $1,000. His company is one of the world’s largest sellers of personal computers. Forbes lists Dell as the 41st richest person in the world.

Dr. Denton Cooley was born in Houston, Texas. He pursued a career in medicine, graduating from the University of Texas at Austin and later, the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

Cooley founded the Texas Heart Institute to promote research and education in cardiovascular surgery. Later, Cooley became famous for performing the first successful heart transplant in the United States. He implanted the first artificial heart, and created surgical innovations that helped save the lives of many Americans.