 |
Helen Brooke TaussigAmerican cardiologist
Date of Birth: 24.05.1898
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Helen Brooke Taussig
Helen Brooke Taussig was an American cardiologist and the founder of pediatric cardiology as a field. She is best known as the creator of the idea for a procedure that could prolong the lives of children born with "blue baby syndrome" - a congenital heart defect known as Tetralogy of Fallot. This idea later formed the basis for the Blalock-Taussig shunt.
Early Life and Education
Helen Taussig was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Her father, Frank W. Taussig, was an economist, and her mother, Edith Thomas, was one of the first students at Radcliffe College. Unfortunately, her mother passed away when Helen was just 11 years old.
During her childhood, Helen struggled with a severe form of dyslexia. She was able to overcome this condition with the help of her father and constant studying. She graduated from high school in 1917 and spent two years at Radcliffe College before transferring to the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned her bachelor's degree in 1921.
Helen continued her education at Harvard Medical School, Boston University, and Johns Hopkins University. Despite facing the challenge of hearing loss, she did not let it deter her from pursuing a career in medicine. She learned to read lips and listen to heart sounds using her fingertips.
Contributions to Medicine
As mentioned earlier, Helen Taussig is best known for her work on "blue baby syndrome." On November 29, 1944, she and Dr. Alfred Blalock performed the first successful surgical procedure to correct this heart defect on an 11-month-old patient. This groundbreaking operation paved the way for future advancements in pediatric cardiology.
In 1959, Helen became one of the first women to be appointed as a full professor at Johns Hopkins University. Although she formally left the university in 1963, she continued to teach and write articles for many years.
Helen also actively participated in various political and social gatherings, primarily focusing on medical issues. She advocated for the use of animals in medical research and the legalization of abortions.
Legacy
Tragically, Helen Taussig died in a car accident on May 20, 1986, just four days before her 88th birthday. Her contributions to the field of pediatric cardiology and her pioneering work on "blue baby syndrome" have left a lasting impact on the medical community. Her dedication to improving the lives of children with congenital heart defects continues to inspire future generations of healthcare professionals.
