Pioneers of Cardiac Surgery
Pioneers of Cardiac Surgeryis a remarkable and unique account of the history of cardiovascular surgery. . . . Much of the information helps to clarify which contributor deserves a so-called 'first' in the field. I found the book fascinating and absorbing, and have spent enjoyable hours in reading how those pioneers overcame obstacles social, ethical, and forbidding which threatened their personal reputations.  Many were objects of criticism by skeptics who mostly stood on the sidelines while exciting new developments appeared. The book should serve as a reference for any surgeon or physician interested in an authentic account of the history of the remarkable achievements of the era.--Denton A. Cooley, MDThis volume's appeal is unique, in that it consists of material derived from personal interviews with the giants of the specialty and filtered through the discerning eye of an active participant and a giant of the specialty himself.  The end result serves to humanize these individuals . . . . I recommend this volume to cardiothoracic surgeons of all ages.  The older among us will revel, as I did, in the recalled memories of earlier times, and the younger surgeons will take inspiration from the similarities in the lives of these pioneers and their own lives.--Thomas B. Ferguson, MD, Emeritus Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Washington University School of MedicineFrom its beginnings in Baltimore, and two institutions in Northern Minnesota, this exciting story is recreated in the words of the men who were responsible for its rapid development.  The interviews are 'up close and personal' and include information about upbringing, education, mentoring, family life, and the circumstances of their contributions.--John L. Cameron, MD, Alfred Blalock Distinguished Service Professor, the Johns Hopkins Medical InstitutionsSurgical history is only rarely autobiographical, but not because surgeons are shy or lack self-esteem.  This collection is a window into the evolution of cardiac surgery, surgical careers, and the bumps along the way.--Sara Shumway, MD, Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, University of Minnesota