In the world of medicine, cardiac surgery was often regarded as the "Mt. Everest of surgery," a monumental challenge that presented difficulties to even the most renowned physicians. Spark Media’s Partners of the Heart details the history of the remarkable partnership of Alfred Blalock and Vivien Thomas, who would revolutionize the methods of cardiac surgery through their tireless research and collaboration in a time of extreme segregation.
Alfred Blalock and Vivien Thomas came from entirely different worlds, and their dynamic often mirrors the disparities of their backgrounds. Blalock, a scion of southern aristocracy, hailed from a family with a legacy of plantations and banking, while Vivien Thomas, humbler in origin, inherited the skills of a carpenter.
Thomas aspired to become a doctor, a unique possibility for a black man in Nashville; despite being segregated like many other southern cities, Nashville stood out due to its large elite black community, which included professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and entrepreneurs. Thomas's journey to medical school was derailed by the Great Depression, leading him to work as a janitor at Vanderbilt University Medical School, a role that paid significantly less than his prior carpentry work.
Blalock, in contrast, attended Johns Hopkins but was seemingly more focused on sports and women than his studies. After being denied a residency at Johns Hopkins, he ended up at Vanderbilt, where he was eager to prove himself. He started studying what caused bodies to go into shock, a major cause of death during surgery at the time. It was during this time that he saw the potential in Vivien Thomas and realized he needed a skilled technician by his side, unknowingly laying the foundations for both an immensely fruitful scientific partnership and subsequent medical breakthroughs, but also a unique friendship that would span decades and transcend race and class.
Vivien, despite having no formal medical education, took notes on experiments. Once becoming the target of Blalock's notorious anger, Vivien demanded respect, and Blalock, in a moment of reflection, apologized to the 19-year-old and promised he would never do it again. For the 34 years they worked together, he kept his word, and their relationship was characterized by immense respect. While within the university lab, Blalock and Vivien worked together seamlessly, segregation was still a deeply pervasive force in the outside world. Despite his significant contributions, as long as he worked at Vanderbilt, Vivien remained in the records as a janitor, despite some nominal raises.
Their first major breakthrough, identifying the cause of shock as the loss of blood and fluids, would have a profound impact, especially during World War II. It was this achievement that brought Blalock back to Johns Hopkins, and he insisted that Vivien Thomas join him in Baltimore, despite the institution's prejudiced reputation.
Their groundbreaking work extended to the treatment of "blue babies," infants with congenital heart conditions. The innovative procedure they developed, connecting arteries to increase oxygen in the blood, was revolutionary. Vivien's unparalleled expertise, honed through hundreds of surgeries on lab animals, became instrumental in guiding Blalock through these intricate operations.
Their partnership was built on mutual dependence and an intimate understanding of each other's strengths. The procedures they had developed became routine, transforming the Department of Surgery at Johns Hopkins into the most important of its kind in the world. Within the confines of Hopkins, Thomas had earned respect, but recognition did not extend beyond those walls. Blalock, on the other hand, had achieved notoriety for their groundbreaking work.
Vivien's teaching prowess extended beyond Blalock to the next generation of surgeons. He had a remarkable ability to distill complex surgical procedures into understandable steps, shaping the careers of many. Rowena Spencer, his assistant, benefited from his mentorship, becoming one of the first female interns to work with Blalock and one of the earliest female pediatric surgeons in the country.
After Blalock’s death, Vivien Thomas faced a period of depression, yet emerged with a renewed purpose, guiding the rising generation of African-American students at Johns Hopkins. Described in the documentary as “...the most untalked about, unappreciated, unknown giant in the African-American community,” recognition would eventually find Vivien, with an honorary presentation and the commissioning of his portrait by the Old Hands Club. This long-overdue acknowledgment celebrated his invaluable contributions to the field of medicine and society at large.
Partners of the Heart delves into the awe-inspiring journey of two extraordinary pioneers in cardiac surgery. This captivating documentary paints a vivid picture of their remarkable collaboration, a testament to the resilience and determination that transcended the daunting challenges of their time, and provides a glimpse into a pivotal chapter of medical history. The remarkable collaboration between Alfred Blalock and Vivien Thomas set against the backdrop of societal challenges and scientific breakthroughs, is an inspiring testament to their resilience and the enduring impact of their contributions to cardiac surgery. Partners of the Heart stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of two extraordinary individuals and their enduring legacy in the world of medicine.
How would audiences react to this screening?
Audiences will leave screenings with a greater understanding of one of the most important breakthroughs in medical history, as well as an appreciation for the unique bond Blalock and Thomas cultivated despite their differences.
What academic subjects would this film be suitable for?
Partners of the Heart would be a valuable documentary resource for high schools, community colleges and universities offering classes in American history, African-American history, and the history of medicine.
What kind of film collection would this title be suitable for?
Partners of the Heart would be a valued resource for film collections focusing on American history, African-American history, and Medical history.
Director’s Bio
Andrea Kalin is the creative visionary and founder of Spark Media, a production company dedicated to crafting stories with a strong social conscience. Her films have aired on major networks around the globe, screened theatrically to sold-out audiences, and earned more than 100 industry awards, including a Prime Time Emmy, Golden Globe and WGA nominations. Andrea specializes in bringing to viewers the emotional front line where lives of courage, perseverance and dignity transcend seemingly insurmountable hardships.
Director’s Statement
More than ever, I am inspired by Vivien Thomas’ upward journey and his ability to persevere long enough to prevail over a system that challenged his identity and denied him opportunity.
His story provoked me — and I hope will move you — to gain a better understanding of this country’s personal and institutional legacy of racism. To move forward, we need to reckon with the history of a society that permitted Thomas to stand at Dr. Blalock’s shoulder in the operating room but denied him a place at the dinner celebrating Blalock’s 60th birthday at a posh and segregated Baltimore hotel.
Vivien Thomas’ story also serves as a sharp reminder of what society loses when a person is denied opportunity because of his or her race, religion, gender, etc. Like Thomas, many people, even today, need only an opportunity to show what they’re capable of contributing.
This story also shows the importance of individual effort. As an individual, Vivien Thomas was as pragmatic and no-nonsense as the surgical tools he developed and passed on to others. He was hooked on the process of discovery and the quest for answers that really mattered. It was this passion for science that forged the bond between Thomas and Blalock and that would leave a life-saving legacy for generations to come. Their collaboration provides a framework for understanding how individual partnerships can break down society’s barriers.
As we address issues of diversity and tolerance, and learn to appreciate the contributions of all Americans, Partners of the Heart provides an important story of African-American achievement and the rich possibilities inherent in cooperation. My hope is that this film will spark a dialogue and will advance our struggle to understand race, history and who we are.
Accolades
“Celebrates the resilience of the human spirit in a profoundly moving fashion and shows what a resolute individual can accomplish within rigid social constraints…cuts to the paradoxes, cruelties, and injustices of segregated America.” - Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
“A testimony to the value of medical research, the cost of societal prejudice and the power of perseverance and humility…when you watch a movie like Partners of the Heart, you realize how much we owe to those who showed us that obstacles can be overcome.” - Sandy Banks, Los Angeles Times
“The essential story of a black-white medical partnership…is true and compelling.” - Virginia Heffernan, The New York Times
“Eloquent and moving.” - David Zurawik, The Baltimore Sun
“Theirs is the kind of story that’s both remarkable and implausible. Inspiring and infuriating.” - Miki Turner, Fort Worth Star-Telegram
“Even if you’re not a regular viewer of “The American Experience” or other history shows, Monday’s profile of a pioneering medical team is just what the doctor ordered…don’t pigeonhole Partners of the Heart as a “black story.” This is a story for all America, and for all time.” - Danny Heitman, The Advocate
“Engrossing and profoundly moving…American Experience recounts the amazing saga of these two unlikely colleagues in a muted, elegant style.” - John Crook, The Seattle Times and Seattle Post-Intelligencer
“A moving and often highly dramatic documentary…uses interviews, narration…and recreations…to bring the story to life.” - Kevin Nance, The Tennessean
“The movie is a gentle one, infused with understanding and compassion for both men…it reveals how in time of racial segregation, people of different ethnicities came together and changed medical history.” - Pam Harbaugh, Florida Today
“As I watched a screening of the film…I couldn’t help but wonder why it took so long for most of us here to find out about the story of Vivien Thomas…there are so many stories out there like that of…Thomas, and they need to be told.” - Dwight Lewis, The Tennessean
“The story is extraordinary for it’s many layers of poignancy…a film that will serve to unify communities and races and exemplify the power of cooperation between them.” - iCom
Awards
- Erik Barnouw Award for Best History Documentary, Organization of American Historians
- CINE Golden Eagle Award
- Chris Award
- Gold Special Jury Award, WorldFest Houston
- Peer Award for Classic Documentary, TIVA-DC
- NEH50 Selection – a list of the 50 “most culturally significant” projects funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities
Festivals and Special Screenings
- Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival
- Nashville Independent Film Festival
- American Black Film Festival
- High Falls Film Festival
- St. Louis International Film Festival
- Memphis Film Festival
- WorldFest Houston
- Bermuda International Film Festival
- Hollywood Black Film Festival
- San Francisco Black Film Festival
- Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival
- Ohio Independent Film Festival
- Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival
- Centerpiece of a nationwide Healthy Communities initiative that included community screenings at Magic Johnson Theaters, alongside free health fairs hosted in theater lobbies in underserved communities.
- Special virtual screening event with Johns Hopkins University with over 1000 registrants.
- Featured in special “Celebration of Excellence” events at a Baltimore high school named after Thomas, The Vivien T. Thomas Medical Arts and Science Academy. The events included a film screening and round table mentorship discussions with educators and historians, as well as physicians and internship coordinators from Johns Hopkins Hospital. Learn more here.
Additional Information
- Inspiration for The Vivien Thomas Scholarship for Medical Science and Research, a $500,000 endowment instituted by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, aimed at providing resources for underserved students of color with an interest in careers in medicine and health.
- Inspiration for the Golden Globe-nominated HBO Film Something the Lord Made, for which director Andrea Kalin was an executive consultant.
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Vivien Thomas
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A young Vivien Thomas in the Vanderbilt lab
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Vivien Thomas portrait at Johns Hopkins
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Dr. Alfred Blalock
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Recreation of the first blue baby operation
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Dr. Helen Taussig with a blue baby
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Courtney B. Vance in studio, recording the voice of Vivien Thomas
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Morgan Freeman in the studio recording the film's narration