Something the Lord Made is a 2004 American television drama film that tells the story of the groundbreaking work of Alfred Blalock and Vivien Thomas, a surgeon and his assistant who developed a pioneering surgical technique to treat blue baby syndrome. The film, directed by Joseph Sargent, stars Alan Rickman as Dr. Blalock and Mos Def as Vivien Thomas. While the movie takes some creative liberties with the true story, it is largely accurate in its portrayal of the historical facts surrounding the development of the Blalock-Taussig shunt.
Historical Context and Accuracy
The film is set in the 1940s, a time when racial segregation and discrimination were prevalent in the United States. The movie accurately depicts the difficulties faced by Vivien Thomas, a black man, in his pursuit of a career in medicine. Despite his lack of formal education, Thomas’s exceptional skills and dedication earned him a position as a laboratory assistant to Dr. Blalock at Johns Hopkins University. The film also highlights the complexities of their relationship, with Blalock serving as both a mentor and a boss to Thomas.
The Development of the Blalock-Taussig Shunt
The movie accurately portrays the development of the Blalock-Taussig shunt, a surgical procedure that revolutionized the treatment of blue baby syndrome, a condition caused by a congenital heart defect. The film shows how Blalock and Thomas worked tirelessly to perfect the technique, which involved creating a shunt between the subclavian artery and the pulmonary artery to increase blood flow to the lungs. The first successful operation was performed on November 29, 1944, and the film accurately depicts the emotions and tensions surrounding this groundbreaking event.
| Year | Event | Historical Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| 1930 | Vivien Thomas begins working at Johns Hopkins University | Accurate |
| 1943 | Dr. Blalock and Vivien Thomas start working together | Accurate |
| 1944 | First successful Blalock-Taussig shunt operation | Accurate |
One of the most significant aspects of the film is its portrayal of the relationship between Blalock and Thomas. While the movie takes some creative liberties with their interactions, it is clear that their partnership was built on mutual respect and trust. The film also highlights the contributions of other key figures, such as Dr. Helen Taussig, who played a crucial role in the development of the Blalock-Taussig shunt.
The Legacy of Blalock and Thomas
The film’s portrayal of the legacy of Blalock and Thomas is also largely accurate. The Blalock-Taussig shunt revolutionized the treatment of blue baby syndrome, and their work paved the way for future advances in cardiac surgery. The film shows how their pioneering work earned them international recognition, with Blalock receiving the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1954. Thomas, on the other hand, faced significant challenges in his career due to racial discrimination, but his contributions to the development of the Blalock-Taussig shunt were eventually recognized, and he became an honorary doctor at Johns Hopkins University in 1976.
Impact on the Medical Community
The film accurately depicts the impact of the Blalock-Taussig shunt on the medical community. The procedure was widely adopted, and it saved countless lives. The movie also highlights the challenges faced by the medical community in the 1940s, including the lack of understanding of congenital heart defects and the limited treatment options available. The development of the Blalock-Taussig shunt marked a significant turning point in the treatment of blue baby syndrome, and it paved the way for future advances in cardiac surgery.
- The Blalock-Taussig shunt was first performed on a 15-month-old girl named Eileen Saxon
- The procedure involved creating a shunt between the subclavian artery and the pulmonary artery
- The Blalock-Taussig shunt revolutionized the treatment of blue baby syndrome, saving countless lives
In conclusion, Something the Lord Made is a largely accurate portrayal of the historical facts surrounding the development of the Blalock-Taussig shunt. The film takes some creative liberties with the true story, but it captures the essence of the pioneering work of Alfred Blalock and Vivien Thomas. Their legacy continues to inspire and influence the medical community, and their contributions to the development of cardiac surgery remain unparalleled.
What is the Blalock-Taussig shunt?
+
The Blalock-Taussig shunt is a surgical procedure that involves creating a shunt between the subclavian artery and the pulmonary artery to increase blood flow to the lungs. It was developed by Dr. Alfred Blalock and Vivien Thomas in the 1940s and revolutionized the treatment of blue baby syndrome.
Who was Vivien Thomas?
+
Vivien Thomas was a black man who worked as a laboratory assistant to Dr. Alfred Blalock at Johns Hopkins University. Despite his lack of formal education, Thomas’s exceptional skills and dedication earned him a position as a key contributor to the development of the Blalock-Taussig shunt.
What was the impact of the Blalock-Taussig shunt on the medical community?
+
The Blalock-Taussig shunt revolutionized the treatment of blue baby syndrome, saving countless lives. It also paved the way for future advances in cardiac surgery and marked a significant turning point in the understanding and treatment of congenital heart defects.
