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

About Dr. Gibbon

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