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Helen Brooke Taussig

Helen Brooke Taussig was an American cardiologist born in 1898, known for founding the field of pediatric cardiology. She made significant advancements in understanding and treating heart conditions in children, particularly those born with congenital heart defects. In 1944, she played a key role in developing the first successful heart surgery for children, which repaired specific congenital defects. Taussig also helped create the first artificial heart valve. Her work has had a lasting impact on cardiovascular medicine, saving countless lives and improving the quality of life for many patients. She was also a co-founder of the American Heart Association.