American Experience Season 15 Episode 8 Partners of the Heart

In season 15, episode 8 of American Experience, titled "Partners of the Heart," viewers are taken on a journey through medical history as they explore the revolutionary work of two innovative doctors, Alfred Blalock and Vivien Thomas. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression and World War II, this episode sheds light on their groundbreaking contributions to the field of heart surgery and the evolution of modern medicine.

Blalock and Thomas met while working at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee in the early 1930s. Despite the racial divide that was prevalent at the time, Thomas, an African American, was hired to work as a lab technician under Blalock, a white surgeon. Despite the challenges that they faced, the two men soon formed an unlikely partnership built on mutual respect and a shared passion for medical research.

Together, Blalock and Thomas set out to tackle the unprecedented challenge of cardiovascular surgery and by collaboration and use of laboratory animals came up with procedures and techniques that provided a greater understanding of blood circulation and heart defects. Theirs was truly a collaborative and symbiotic relationship with Dr. Blalock starting to appreciate that Thomas' experience and skill were invaluable as a technician and innovator. Image-guidance instruments today are the result of the partnership between Dr. Blalock and Vivienne Thomas.

One of their most significant achievements was the successful development of the "blue baby" operation in 1944 aimed at curing babies born with a heart anomaly. This diagnosis was a common death sentence, but Blalock and Thomas discovered an experimental procedure that enabled the development of a congenial arterial fistula which restored normal circulation and oxygenation. This is just one example of their many pivotal accomplishments, which would go on to revolutionize the field and save countless lives in the process.

The episode also explores the social and cultural climate of the time, highlighting the challenges that Thomas, as a black man, faced in his professional and personal life. Despite frequent discrimination, Thomas remained focused on his goal of making a meaningful contribution to science and medicine. Blalock and Thomas' work also proved instrumental in breaking down racial barriers in the medical field, opening doors for future generations of medical professionals. By working together, the two men were able to inspire change and make a powerful impact on modern medicine.

Overall, "Partners of the Heart" is an engaging and informative episode that offers viewers a glimpse into the remarkable lives of two medical pioneers whose work continues to have a profound impact on medicine and society. The episode presents a fascinating look at the intersection of science, innovation, and history, highlighting the many challenges and triumphs that shaped the field of cardiovascular surgery. It is a testament to the power of collaboration, perseverance, and the incredible impact that individuals can have when they work together towards a common goal.