By Andrea Stevens
AFRO Staff Writer
astevens@afro.com
Dr. Vivien Thomas (1910-1985) was an African-American surgical technician and pioneering figure in medical history whose contributions to the field of heart surgery made an indelible impact. Despite no formal medical training, Thomas developed groundbreaking techniques that saved countless lives. His hard work and ability to excel in the medical field led him to work alongside Dr. Alfred Blalock at both Vanderbilt University and Johns Hopkins University. Though his name is often left out, Thomas helped create the “Blalock-Taussig Shunt,” which is sometimes referred to as the “
Blalock-Thomas-Taussig Shunt.” The surgical procedure became a critical treatment for children with congenital heart defects, particularly those with “blue baby syndrome.”
According to information released by the Morehouse College School of Medicine, Thomas hailed from New Iberia, La., where he was born on Aug. 29, 1910. Eventually, his family moved to Tennessee. There, Thomas set his sights on becoming a doctor.
“Working as an orderly in a private infirmary to raise money for college, he enrolled as a premedical student at Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial College,” reports Morehouse. “The bank crash that year wiped out his life’s savings, forcing him to drop out of school. In 1930, he took a position at Vanderbilt University as a laboratory assistant with Alfred Blalock. Thomas’ abilities as a surgical assistant and research associate were of the highest quality, and when Blalock moved to Johns Hopkins in 1941 he asked Thomas to accompany him.”
Thomas accepted the offer to work on Blalock’s surgical team – and he was not just standing around to observe. Thomas not only developed new procedures, but went on to train other surgeons at Johns Hopkins looking to conduct heart and lung surgeries.
By 1976, Johns Hopkins had welcomed Thomas to join the medical school faculty and presented him with a degree of Honorary Doctor of Laws. Still today medical professionals around the world still benefit from his dare to dream big and create innovative solutions to the challenges of cardiovascular defects and disease.
- Partners of the Heart: Vivien Thomas Autobiography
By Dr. Vivien Thomas
This astounding autobiography chronicles Dr. Vivien Thomas’ journey on the road to Baltimore in his own words. The book explores Thomas’ early life, his struggles with racism and the challenges he faced working in an era that did not afford many opportunities for African Americans in the medical field. Due to its reflective and often serious nature, this book is best suited for adult readers who can appreciate the historical context and the weight of Thomas’ contributions to medicine.
2. A Chat with Vivien Thomas
By Jessie B. Gladden
This book consists of an interview with Vivien Thomas, conducted by Anne C. Hoey. While the book provides valuable insight into Thomas’s pioneering work, the technical language and focus on medical procedures make it more suitable for adult readers. The book presents a nuanced view of Thomas’ career, making it a great resource for those interested in medical history and the fight for racial equality in the workplace.
3. Tiny Stitches: The Life of Medical Pioneer Vivien Thomas
By Gwendolyn Hooks
This Black History Month, introduce the work of Dr. Vivien Thomas to young children with a book sure to inspire young minds. Through Dr. Thomas’ journey, children learn about the power of determination. With its simple prose and engaging illustrations, this book shows how one person can make a big difference.
- Vivien Thomas: The Man Who Overcame Racism to Save Millions of Lives
By Jan Pottker
This book details Dr. Vivien Thomas’ origins in Nashville, Tenn. and puts an emphasis on the racial strain he experienced before he was welcomed into the medical world. Pick up a copy of this book today to explore how the medical giant overcame each obstacle, while making monumental contributions to the practice of surgery.
5. Heart Man: Vivien Thomas, African-American Heart Surgery Pioneer (Genius at Work! Great Inventor Biographies)
By Edwin Brit Wyckoff
Though the book, “Heart Man,” presents Dr. Vivien Thomas’ life as part of a series of biographies aimed at young readers, it is informative enough for adults as well. Its simple language and engaging narrative make it a good fit for readers aged 10 and up. It presents Thomas as both a scientist and a hero who overcame significant barriers, and is ideal for introducing young readers to the concept of pioneering work in medicine and the fight for racial equality.
The post Five books to read this year on the remarkable Dr. Vivien Thomas appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.
