Nina Starr Braunwald

Nina Starr Braunwald (1928-1992) was an American cardiothoracic surgeon and medical researcher, known for her pioneering work in the field of heart surgery. She was the first woman to perform open-heart surgery and the first woman to be elected to the American Association for Thoracic Surgery.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Braunwald was born on May 19, 1928, in New York City. She developed an interest in medicine at a young age, inspired by her father's work as a physician. She attended Hunter College High School, then went on to earn her Bachelor's degree from New York University in 1949. She completed her medical degree at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 1952.

Career[edit | edit source]

After completing her medical degree, Braunwald began her surgical residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital. She then moved to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1955, where she worked under the guidance of Andrew G. Morrow, a pioneer in heart surgery.

In 1960, Braunwald made history by becoming the first woman to perform open-heart surgery. She developed a new type of artificial heart valve, which was used in the first successful heart valve replacement surgery.

Braunwald continued her groundbreaking work in the field of heart surgery throughout her career. She was the first woman to be elected to the American Association for Thoracic Surgery and the first woman to chair a surgery department at a co-ed medical school, at George Washington University.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Braunwald's contributions to the field of heart surgery have had a lasting impact. Her work has paved the way for many advancements in the field, and she has served as a role model for women in medicine.