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)
I believe in the power of observation, careful documentation, and relentless pursuit of answers.
The greatest breakthroughs often come from unexpected places.
My life's work was dedicated to giving children a chance to breathe.
The pursuit of excellence should be a constant in medicine.
We must always remember the human element in every scientific endeavor.
The greatest gift a doctor can give is hope.
My deafness, in a strange way, sharpened my other senses and made me a better diagnostician.
The future of pediatric cardiology is bright, thanks to the dedication of many.
Every life saved is a triumph for humanity.
The pursuit of knowledge is a journey, not a destination.
The right and left pulmonary arteries arise from the posterior aspect of the truncus arteriosus.
Congenital malformations of the heart are not rare; they occur in about 1% of live births.
The blue baby syndrome is a tragic condition that demands innovative surgical intervention.
Without adequate pulmonary blood flow, these infants face certain death.
Collaboration between surgeon and cardiologist is essential for advancing pediatric cardiology.
I never set out to be a pioneer; I simply wanted to save lives.
The heart's anomalies teach us the fragility and resilience of life.
In medicine, persistence in the face of uncertainty is paramount.
The Blalock-Taussig shunt was born of desperation and hope.
Children with congenital heart defects deserve every effort we can muster.
Contemporaries of Helen Taussig
Other Medicines born within 50 years of Helen Taussig (1898–1986).