During the 1960s, a national shortage of nurses, physicians and other medical professionals prompted action from healthcare educators to expand the scope of learning to inspire a new generation of students to pursue careers in medicine.

DeBakey High School for Health Professions celebrated 50 years in 2022-’23.

A team of doctors at Baylor College of Medicine sprang into action to create a new pipeline of future doctors and scientists. Little did they know that this plan to future-proof the health of Houston’s communities would come to fruition by opening the first “medical high school” in the nation. In 2022-’23, the high school achieved 50 years of excellence in providing pre-medical education to countless Houstonians.

Originally named the High School for Health Professions in 1972, the institution was renamed in 1996 to the Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions to carry on the legacy of the revolutionary surgeon who transformed cardiac surgery.

After opening, the original shortage of medical professionals was handled, but lessons from the past are still being taught to current and future students. Dr. Judith Campbell, a 1977 DeBakey graduate, shared her experiences with student Marthella Diaz while touring the campus, which moved into a new state-of-the-art facility in 2017.

“[This high school] gave me a view of the different facets of medicine and the discipline I needed to pursue medicine, which I still use in my career today,” Campbell said.

DeBakey High School for Health Professions celebrated 50 years in 2022-’23.

One cannot walk far in Houston’s Texas Medical Center without encountering a proud DeBakey alum who is ready and happy to help young students on their journey. This sense of pride can be felt by anyone who steps foot inside the school for even a moment. “Many of those alumni credited their success to their time at DeBakey, where they were exposed to an array of possible careers in medicine when they were teenagers,” wrote health writer Evan MacDonald in a story about the 50th in the Houston Chronicle.

Dr. Robert Roush, professor of geriatric medicine and a founding member of the high school, continues to carry on the original spirit and mission.

“Through these first 50 years, this school has exemplified this notion of excellence established by Dr. DeBakey,” said Roush in a farewell to 50 years message. “I’m hopeful that in the next 50 years, they will continue to keep the lamp of excellence lit.”

To read more alumni stories, see photos from throughout the years and learn more about the school, please visit bcm.edu/DHSHP50Years.

By Aaron Nieto

DeBakey High School for Health Professions celebrated 50 years in 2022-’23.