Alfred Blalock
Developed the Blalock-Taussig shunt with Helen Taussig and Vivien Thomas, a groundbreaking surgery for congenital heart defects.
Most quoted
"The surgeon who carries out an operation with the blood pressure falling, the pulse rising, and the patient getting into worse and worse condition, and who thinks that some miracle will happen to carry him through, is fooling himself."
— from Surgical Principles
"The development of the Blalock-Taussig shunt was a testament to the power of collaboration between a surgeon and a cardiologist, and the importance of taking calculated risks for the benefit of patients."
— from Reflecting on his work
"The only thing that stands between a man and what he wants in life is often merely the will to try it and the faith to believe that it is possible."
— from Anecdotal
All quotes by Alfred Blalock (383)
Never underestimate the power of observation.
The pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong endeavor.
We are all students in the vast field of medicine.
The responsibility of a surgeon is immense.
Innovation often comes from looking at old problems in new ways.
The operating room is a place of intense focus and precision.
To be a good doctor, you must first be a good listener.
We stand on the shoulders of giants.
The pursuit of excellence should be our constant goal.
Medicine is both an art and a science.
The courage of our patients inspires us.
We must never lose sight of the human element in medicine.
The path to discovery is often fraught with setbacks.
The joy of seeing a child thrive after surgery is immeasurable.
Our work is a continuous battle against disease and suffering.
The future belongs to those who are willing to push the boundaries.
Every case presents a new learning opportunity.
The importance of meticulous preparation cannot be overstated.
We must educate the next generation of doctors to be even better than us.
The pursuit of a cure is a noble endeavor.
Contemporaries of Alfred Blalock
Other Medicines born within 50 years of Alfred Blalock (1899–1964).