Vivien Thomas
Vivien Thomas was a pioneering African American surgical technician whose work revolutionized cardiac surgery. Born on August 29, 1910, in New Iberia, Louisiana, Thomas overcame racial barriers to become a key figure in medical research. Despite having no formal medical degree, he worked closely with Dr. Alfred Blalock at Johns Hopkins University, where they developed the groundbreaking "blue baby" operation in 1944, a procedure that saved countless infants with congenital heart defects. Thomas's contributions were initially overlooked due to his race, but his legacy was later recognized, and he is now celebrated for his significant impact on modern surgery and medicine.
Learn More.
Want to dive deeper into Black History? Click the "Learn More" button to explore additional resources like videos, articles, and news pieces about Vivien Thomas from trusted sources. These materials will help you expand your understanding and give you new perspectives on the topic. Whether you're researching for a school essay, project, or simply looking to learn more, these resources are a great way to continue your journey of discovery. Start exploring now and empower yourself with knowledge!
Teacher Zone.
The Teacher Zone offers mini-lessons, quizzes, discussion topics, and more to help you teach Black history in an engaging way. Whether you teach social studies, science, literature, math, sports, music, drama, or art, there’s something for everyone. Integrating Black history into your curriculum enriches your content and fosters a deeper understanding for all students, regardless of background, highlighting the powerful contributions of Black individuals across all fields. Learn how to teach your students more about Vivien Thomas.