Helen Taussig
A pioneer in pediatric cardiology, she developed the Blalock-Taussig shunt procedure to treat 'blue baby syndrome'.
Most quoted
"The story of the Blalock-Taussig shunt is not just a story of a surgical procedure. It is a story of the triumph of hope and determination over a fatal disease."
— from Reflections on her work
"Research is not done in isolation. It is built upon the work of those who came before and in partnership with those who work beside you."
— from On scientific progress
"I believe in the power of careful clinical observation. The patient often tells you what you need to know if you listen closely enough."
— from Lecture notes
All quotes by Helen Taussig (411)
Don't tell me it can't be done. Tell me how you're going to try.
I've always believed in the power of observation. Sometimes, the answers are right in front of you, if you just bother to look.
Being a pioneer means you get to make your own path, and sometimes, that path is a bit muddy.
I'm not sure what's more difficult: convincing a skeptical colleague or convincing a stubborn disease.
The best research often starts with a simple question and a healthy dose of curiosity.
I never understood why some people are so afraid of change. It's the only constant in medicine.
My greatest satisfaction comes from seeing a child thrive who was once given no hope. That's better than any award.
If you're going to be a doctor, you might as well be a good one. The patients deserve it.
I've always found that a good sense of humor is essential in this profession. Otherwise, you'd go mad.
The human body is a marvel of engineering, but it occasionally needs a bit of tinkering.
Some people collect stamps; I collected challenging cases.
I've learned more from my failures than from my successes, though I prefer the latter.
The only thing predictable about medicine is its unpredictability.
I never sought fame, just solutions. The fame was an accidental byproduct.
A good diagnosis is half the battle; the other half is convincing everyone else you're right.
I've always believed that if you treat the patient, not just the disease, you'll have better outcomes.
My work was never about glory, but about giving children a chance at life.
If you're not willing to challenge the status quo, you're not truly practicing medicine.
The best tools in medicine are a sharp mind and a compassionate heart.
I've always been more interested in what works than in what's conventional.
Contemporaries of Helen Taussig
Other Medicines born within 50 years of Helen Taussig (1898–1986).