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)
I connected the vessels, but more importantly, I connected the ideas.
A technician by title, a teacher by action.
The struggle was not just scientific, but social.
You fix the heart by understanding its flaws, not by force.
In the end, the work speaks for itself.
Contemporaries of Vivien Thomas
Other Medicines born within 50 years of Vivien Thomas (1910–1985).