- Vivien Thomas was an African American laboratory supervisor.
- He helped develop a surgical technique for “blue baby” syndrome.
- Thomas trained surgeons at Johns Hopkins University for 35 years.
- He never received a medical degree but was awarded honorary doctorates.
- Thomas faced discrimination and segregation in his career.
- His story is featured in the book and movie “Something the Lord Made”.
- Thomas’ work saved countless lives of infants with heart defects.
- He received numerous awards posthumously, including induction into the Medical Wall of Fame.
- The Vivien Thomas Scholarship supports underrepresented students in healthcare fields.
- His legacy continues to inspire future generations in medicine and science.
Sarah Jenkins
Vivien Thomas Net Worth, Age, Height, Bio, Birthday, Wiki!
Facts & Trivia
Vivien Ranked on the list of most popular Doctor. Also ranked in the elit list of famous people born in United States. Vivien Thomas celebrates birthday on August 29 of every year.
Who performed the first blue baby surgery?
Alfred Blalock Dead at 65; Developed ‘Blue Baby’ Surgery; Ex‐Department Head at Johns Hopkins Performed Pioneer Operation There in 1944.
Did Vivien Thomas ever become a doctor?
In 1976, Johns Hopkins University presented Thomas with an honorary doctorate. However, because of certain restrictions, he received an Honorary Doctor of Laws, rather than a medical doctorate. Thomas was also appointed to the faculty of Johns Hopkins Medical School as Instructor of Surgery.
Is Something the Lord Made a true story?
‘Something the Lord Made” is based on a true story, and it faithfully tracks the rise of both Blalock and Thomas. But along the way, the weepy movie raises true moral stakes, the ones in good fiction, and they make the tears the film works to inspire feel more real.
How long did the first blue baby live after surgery?
Despite the initial success of her “blue baby” surgery, little Eileen Saxon was born with too many other health problems to survive. She was unable to sustain her growth after the historic operation and died nine months later following surgery on another section of her heart.
What is the life expectancy of a blue baby?
Studies show that the long-term survival of “blue babies” and other patients with congenital heart defects is reasonably good. Over 90 percent of the patients are alive 20 years after the first conduit operation, while the mortality rate within 30 days after the operation is less than 1 percent, reoperations included.
Sarah Jenkins
Senior Technology Editor & AI Specialist
Sarah Jenkins is a veteran tech journalist with over 12 years of experience covering artificial intelligence, mobile innovations, and digital ethics. Her insights have appeared in leading technology publications worldwide.
