Vivien Thomas
A surgical technician who developed the procedures used to treat blue baby syndrome, despite lacking formal medical education.
Most quoted
"Death is a part of life, but our efforts can sometimes postpone its arrival and improve the quality of the time given."
— from Reflections
"In the face of adversity, one must find strength not only within oneself, but also in the purpose of their work."
— from Reflections
"We are all connected, and the suffering of one affects us all. Therefore, the healing of one benefits us all."
— from Speech
All quotes by Vivien Thomas (405)
The pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong endeavor.
I am proud of the contributions I made to medicine.
We worked tirelessly to find solutions where none existed.
My hands were an extension of my mind, guided by purpose.
The lessons learned in the lab translated directly to saving lives.
I hope my story encourages others to break barriers.
It was a team effort, and I was just one part of it.
The greatest discoveries often come from unexpected places.
I dedicated my life to this work, and I have no regrets.
I'm not a doctor, but I play one in the operating room.
They say practice makes perfect. I say, practice makes me tired.
My hands may be gloved, but my mind is always bare.
Some people learn by doing. I learn by fixing what others did wrong.
The only thing more complicated than the human heart is human politics.
They call it 'blue baby syndrome.' I call it a challenge.
If you want something done right, do it yourself. Or, in my case, teach someone else to do it right.
My degree might be honorary, but my skills are very real.
I've seen more hearts than a cardiologist, and I don't even have a stethoscope.
The best way to predict the future is to create it, one suture at a time.
They gave me a lab coat, but I prefer the operating gown. More practical.
Contemporaries of Vivien Thomas
Other Medicines born within 50 years of Vivien Thomas (1910–1985).