Alfred Blalock. Surgeon, Educator, and Pioneer in Shock and Cardiac Research

Abstract

Alfred Blalock (1899–1964) was a pioneer American surgeon who made significant advances in the knowledge and treatment of hemorrhagic and traumatic shock as well as in the palliative treatment of congenital heart disease, particularly tetralogy of Fallot. This historical note reviews highlights in the life and accomplishments of Alfred Blalock, noted academic surgeon and researcher.

Blalock originated from Culloden, Georgia and attended Georgia Military College, the University of Georgia, and Johns Hopkins Medical School. He finished his surgical training at Vanderbilt University where he remained ultimately as professor of surgery until 1941 when he became the Chairman and Professor of Surgery at Johns Hopkins Medical School. His research in shock saved many soldiers' lives in World War II. In 1944 he performed the first subclavian-pulmonary artery shunt for tetralogy of Fallot with the support of the superb pediatric cardiologist Helen Taussig and the great technical help of Viven Thomas. Hundreds of operations followed. He educated and trained an incredible cadre of cardiovascular surgeons. He passed away in Baltimore, Maryland, on September 15, 1964.

KEYWORDS:

• Blalock
• educator
• pioneer
• shock and cardiac surgeon