Hektoen International

A Journal of Medical Humanities

Tag: Harvard

  • Dr. Robert E. Gross and first operations in cardiovascular surgery

    Philip R. LiebsonChicago, Illinois, United States There is a myth that Dr. Robert E. Gross (1905-1988), a Harvard surgeon, performed the first cardiovascular surgery. There is no question that he performed the first successful major operation on the great vessels near the heart in which the patient survived, the ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus…

  • The blade

    Kevin LoughlinBoston, Massachusetts, USA The blade slashes through the skinNot in violenceBut in cureIt is held not by an assailantBut by a surgeon The same instrumentBut with such cross purposesAs a surgeon, I know the fear and anticipationThat proceeds the strikeAssailants must feel the same Ironic, violence and healingBoth take training and skillMysteries both, which…