Vivien Thomas: the Man who Helped Invent the Heart Surgery

Vivian Thomas, born in 1910, was a pioneering figure in heart surgery despite not having a formal medical degree. He began his career as a lab assistant to Alfred Blalock at Vanderbilt University and later moved to Johns Hopkins, where they developed life-saving procedures for infants with heart defects. Despite his significant contributions, Thomas faced racial discrimination and was often underrecognized. He eventually received an honorary doctorate and left a lasting legacy in the medical field.

What challenges did Vivian Thomas face in his early education?

What was the significance of the procedure developed by Thomas and Blalock for blue babies?

Describe the contributions of Vivian Thomas to cardiac surgery.

How did Vivian Thomas support his family while working in the medical field?

What recognition did Vivian Thomas receive later in his career?