“Something The Lord Made” is a captivating film about heart surgery’s development and Dr. Alfred Blalock and Vivien Thomas’ remarkable cooperation. It explores the protagonists’ personal and professional struggles as well as new medical procedures. The report will discuss the movie’s themes, including medical practices, congenital cardiac conditions, surgical procedures, Dr. Blalock and Dr. Taussig’s contributions, their relationship, and the groundbreaking surgery’s impact on pediatric cardiac care.
Medical Practice Evolution
The film shows a turning point when new medical treatments challenged conventional ones. The Blalock-Taussig shunt, a revolutionary congenital heart surgery, is an example (Blalock, 2009). Consequently, Dr. Blalock and Dr. Thomas’ partnership changed heart surgery from high-risk and unattainable to possible.
Congenital Cardiac Condition
In the film, doctors treated congenital cardiac disorders like the Tetralogy of Fallot. They also focused on four heart defects: ventricular septal defect, overriding aorta, pulmonary stenosis, and right ventricular hypertrophy (Blalock, 2009). As a result, there were cyanosis and tiredness from oxygen depletion in the Tetralogy of Fallot patients.
Surgical Procedure
Blalock-Taussig shunt surgery is featured in the movie to treat the Tetralogy of Fallot. To enhance lung blood flow, a shunt is created between the subclavian and pulmonary arteries, reducing congenital oxygen deficiency.
Dr. Blalock’s Contributions
Dr. Alfred Blalock revolutionized heart surgery. Besides the Blalock-Taussig shunt, he pioneered open-heart surgery with his commitment to innovation and patient care shaping medicine.
Dr. Taussig’s Contributions and Challenges
Pediatrician Dr. Taussig championed congenital heart disease patients. She advanced pediatric cardiology and developed the Blalock-Taussig shunt alongside Drs. Blalock and Thomas (Blalock, 2009). Dr. Taussig overcame gender preconceptions to advance pediatric medicine.
Dr. Thomas’s Contributions and Challenges
Despite racial stereotypes, Vivien Thomas advanced medicine. Self-taught surgical assistant, he helped create heart surgical procedures. Although he struggled with racial discrimination, his skills and determination gained him recognition.
Blalock-Thomas relationship
The film highlights Dr. Blalock and Vivien Thomas’ complex relationship. Despite social expectations and racial preconceptions, the two created a professional, solid friendship based on respect and shared aims (Blalock, 2009). Their partnership advanced heart surgery by breaching rules.
First Infant and Outcome
Eileen Saxon was the first Blalock-Taussig shunt baby. The successful procedure marked a milestone in juvenile cardiac care (Blalock, 2009). Saxon lived for some months after the revolutionary procedure, demonstrating its transformational power.
Pediatric Cardiac Care Advances
Since the Blalock-Taussig shunt, cardiac treatment for children has improved. Technological advances, surgical procedures, and congenital heart disease knowledge have improved pediatric patient outcomes and quality of life.
Personal Impact and Takeaway
The film was more than entertainment, as it changed my view of nursing. It demonstrated how teamwork, resilience, and innovation can change medicine. Tenacity was learned from characters defying convention and overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles. The tale aligns with my healthcare goals of questioning existing methods and forging new avenues for patient well-being. Further, the film’s human ties also highlighted the importance of empathy and compassion in healthcare (Blalock, 2009). As a result, the cinematic insight drives me to provide patient-centered care as a nurse. Moreover, the movie’s emotional impact has deepened my understanding of healthcare and inspired me to improve my patients’ lives, making collaboration, resilience, and empathy my career guiding principles.
In conclusion, “Something The Lord Made” highlights the impact of medical innovation and personal ties on advancement. The film teaches cardiac surgery history and timeless principles of tenacity, collaboration, and healthcare excellence. Drs. Blalock, Taussig, and Thomas continue to inspire generations of healthcare professionals to push limits and advocate for patient well-being.
References
Blalock, Alfred. “Something the Lord Made – Trailer (Movies I Recommend).” YouTube. May 10, 2009. https://youtu.be/UmiRohBSy5Y?t=42.
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