Last Updated: 27 Feb, 2023 | Views: 858
Age: 75
Profession: Doctor
Other Profession(s): Surgeon, Cardiac Surgeon
Famous For: American laboratory supervisor
Higher Education: Graduates
About (Profile/Biography):
Vivien Thomas was an African American surgical technician who played a vital role in the development of the "blue baby" operation. He was born on August 29, 1910, in New Iberia, Louisiana. Despite facing numerous obstacles and discrimination, Thomas pursued his passion for medicine and went on to make significant contributions to the field of cardiac surgery.
Vivien Thomas Early Life and Education
Thomas grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, where he attended Pearl High School. After graduation, he planned to attend college and become a doctor. However, the Great Depression hit, and he had to drop out of college to support his family. Thomas landed a job as a research assistant to Alfred Blalock, a surgeon at Vanderbilt University.
Vivien Thomas Career
While working with Blalock, Thomas was responsible for developing and refining surgical techniques. His work was crucial to the success of the "blue baby" operation, a groundbreaking surgical procedure that corrected a congenital heart defect in infants. The procedure was initially performed on dogs, and Thomas played a crucial role in perfecting the surgical techniques.
Vivien Thomas Contributions
Despite his significant contributions to cardiac surgery, Thomas faced discrimination and was not recognized for his work for many years. In fact, he was not listed as an author on any of the research papers published about the "blue baby" operation. It was not until years later that his contributions were acknowledged, and he received numerous awards and honors for his work.
Vivien Thomas Legacy
After leaving Vanderbilt, Thomas worked at the University of Pennsylvania as a lab supervisor and instructor in surgical research. He trained many of the surgeons who went on to perform the "blue baby" operation, and his legacy continues to inspire medical professionals today.
In 1976, Thomas received an honorary doctorate from Johns Hopkins University, and in 1993, he was awarded the National Medal of Science. Thomas passed away on November 26, 1985, but his contributions to medicine continue to be celebrated and recognized to this day.
Vivien Thomas Conclusion
Vivien Thomas's legacy is a testament to his perseverance, determination, and incredible contributions to the field of medicine. Despite facing numerous obstacles and discrimination, he made significant contributions to cardiac surgery and paved the way for future generations of medical professionals. He will always be remembered as a pioneering figure in the fight against heart disease and a true inspiration to all those who seek to make a difference in the world.
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