Dr. James "Red" Duke died, Tuesday, at the age of 86. According to NBC News, his family confirmed his death, but the cause was not reported.
The statement released by his family described the late doctor as a skilled physician, an innovative health care provider, excellent communicator and a committed conservationist.
Dr. Duke was part of Memorial Hermann Hospital and UT Health Science Center, whose surgery department is headed by Dr. Richard Andrassy.
"(Dr. Duke) was with family at Memorial Hermann. He was not in pain. He will be missed very much by all of us at UT Medical School and Memorial Hermann," Dr. Andrassy said in a statement, Click2Houston reported.
What makes Dr. Duke an extraordinary physician? Let's take a look at the legacy he left behind.
As a renowned trauma doctor, one of his medical achievements was pioneering the Life Flight, a helicopter ambulance system, in 1976 at Houston's Hermann Hospital. He also brought the level one trauma center in Houston.
The doctor also co-founded the American Trauma Society. In 1989, it was reported that it made it to President George Bush's short list for surgeon general.
He is also known for his nationally syndicated television series "Dr. Red Duke Texas Health Reports" that aired for 15 years, as well as the host of PBS' "Bodywatch."
The 1986 TV series "Buck James" was based on his story. It was centered on the life, career and adventures of an emergency room doctor in Texas.
Aside from his doctorate of medicine from the University of Texas South Western Medical School, Duke also had a degree in divinity from South Western Baptist Theological Seminary, as per KBTX.com.
Dr. Duke, who was a tank commander in the early '50s, was awarded with Order of St. George from the U.S. Cavalry and Armor Association.
Among these, what made Duke really notable was during President John F. Kennedy's assassination. He was on his residency at Parkland Hospital in Dallas when the late President of United States was brought in after the shooting on Nov. 22, 1963.
Dr. Duke was the first surgeon to receive the late U.S. President at the trauma room. Shortly after, he also treated the gunshot wound of Texas Governor John Connally.
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