“SOMETHING THE LORD MADE” A SURGICAL ASSISTANT MOVIE
“Something The Lord Made” is a captivating HBO ORIGINAL film that resonates deeply with Surgical Assistants. It was released in 2004 offering an insightful glimpse into the evolution of surgical techniques and the pivotal role of assistants in the operating room. At the heart of the story lies the remarkable journey of Vivien Thomas, portrayed brilliantly by Mos Def, whose groundbreaking contributions to medicine transformed the landscape of cardiac surgery.
An Example for Surgical Assistants Today
For Surgical Assistants, Thomas’ character embodies the essence of dedication, resilience, and ingenuity. His transition from a talented carpenter to an indispensable member of Dr. Alfred Blalock’s surgical team highlights the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in the field of surgery. As Surgical Assistants, we can relate to Thomas’ determination to overcome obstacles and prove his worth in an environment where recognition is often overshadowed by the achievements of surgeons.
Mos Def’s portrayal of Vivien Thomas captures the essence of his character, showcasing his unwavering commitment to excellence despite facing discrimination and adversity. Thomas’ ability to innovate and refine surgical techniques, such as the development of the Blalock-Taussig shunt to cure Tetralogy of Fallot in infants, underscores the significant contributions that Surgical Assistants can make to the advancement of innovative surgical procedures.
The film also sheds light on the collaborative dynamic between surgeons and Surgical Assistants, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in achieving successful outcomes in the operating room. Thomas’ partnership with Dr. Blalock serves as a testament to the symbiotic relationship between surgeons and assistants, where mutual respect and trust form the foundation of their professional bond.
“Something The Lord Made” serves as a poignant reminder of the unsung heroes within the realm of surgery, whose invaluable contributions often go unrecognized. For Surgical Assistants, the film serves as both inspiration and validation of our crucial role in the surgical process, driving us to strive for excellence and innovation in our practice.
Overall, “Something The Lord Made” is a captivating and thought-provoking film that resonates deeply with Surgical Assistants, offering a poignant portrayal of perseverance, collaboration, and the transformative power of medical innovation.
Takeaways
“Something the Lord Made” is a film rich with takeaways for Surgical Assistants, showcasing essential aspects of the surgical field, particularly around teamwork, innovation, and dealing with systemic challenges. Here are some key takeaways from the film:
- Importance of Teamwork in Surgery: The collaboration between Dr. Alfred Blalock and Vivien Thomas highlights the critical role of teamwork in surgical success, emphasizing that every member, regardless of their official title or background, brings invaluable skills to the table.
- Innovation and Perseverance: The film demonstrates the importance of perseverance and innovative thinking in the face of challenging medical cases. It inspires Surgical Assistants to think outside the box and contribute creatively to medical advancements.
- Value of Mentorship: The mentorship Thomas receives and later provides is central to the narrative, showing how essential guidance and knowledge transfer are within the medical community.
- Recognition and Credit in Medical Achievements: The film also touches on the importance of receiving recognition for one’s contributions, a significant issue that Surgical Assistants, who play critical roles in operations, can relate to.
These elements not only provide historical context but also offer timeless lessons in professional conduct, teamwork, and personal development within the surgical field.
Where to Watch
You can watch the movie “Something the Lord Made” on several streaming platforms for subscription or rental. It is available for streaming on HBO Max and Hulu with a subscription. You can also rent or purchase it on Amazon Prime Video and other streaming services like Vudu, YouTube, or Apple TV. I have a Max subscription. But if I had to rent it, I absolutely would. I look forward to watching it again. I give it my highest recommendation. Prepare to be inspired!
If you have an inspiring story from your career as a Surgical Assistant or know of a Surgical Assistant with an inspiring story, please submit it to dan.bump@acesatraining.com. Your story may be featured in this blog and the newsletter. Even if you don’t think of yourself as a good writer, just give us the details of the story and we’ll write it for you.