[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 174 (Friday, November 9, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2380]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING DR. FITZALBERT MICHAEL MARIUS, AS THE 2007 TRIBUTE TO 
   COMMUNITY HEALTH CHAMPIONS HONOREE BY THE WEST FRESNO HEALTHCARE 
                               COALITION

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                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 9, 2007

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Fitzalbert 
Michael Marius of Fresno, CA, for being named a 2007 Honoree at the 
Tribute to Health Champions reception, held by the West Fresno 
Healthcare Coalition. As an original member of the first open-heart 
surgery team at Valley Children's Hospital, his medical career is 
impressive and he is most deserving of this honor.
  Born in Colon, Panama, to parents of West Indian decent, Dr. Marius 
moved to America as a young boy and chased the American dream of 
bettering himself by attending college. A true patriot, he left the 
university to serve in the United States Army in World War II, 
returning undeterred to not only finish his undergraduate education, 
but also complete medical school.
  After receiving his M.D. from Howard University Medical School in 
Washington, DC, Dr. Marius spent a year in the cardiac surgery program 
at Stanford University's Lane Hospital in San Francisco. Throughout his 
career, Dr. Marius has performed general, vascular, and thoracic 
surgery in Fresno. In addition, Dr. Marius has been actively involved 
with the Sickle Cell Support Group in southwest Fresno and continues to 
work with the heart surgery teams of St. Agnes Hospital, the Fresno 
Heart Hospital and Community Hospital.
  Dr. Fitzalbert Marius personifies the principles and integrity of our 
Valley. He is a role model for all of us, especially our Valley's 
upcoming generation of medical professionals. It is with great pride 
that I recognize him for all that he has done on behalf of our 
community and congratulate him for receiving this distinguished award.




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