John H. Gibbon Jr., MD, Jefferson professor and chairman of surgery (1956-1967), is renowned in medical history as the inventor of the heart-lung machine, which made possible the world’s first successful open-heart operation at Jefferson in 1953. Dr. Gibbon focused international attention on Jefferson by ushering in a new era of cardiac surgery. In the tradition of excellence that Gibbon maintained, The Gibbon Surgical Society was created at Thomas Jefferson University to provide medical students with a variety of surgical experiences and educational opportunities in the field of surgery
Historical Profiles
The Gibbon Surgical Society presents a monthly "historical vignette" focusing on Jeffersonians who have made a major impact in the field of surgery. These presentations are given by medical students during the Thursday morning conference.
Selected Presentations
- John H. Brinton, MD Fifth Co-Chair (1882)
- Evan O'Neill Kane, MD
About Dr. Gibbon
