Standing on the Shoulders of a Giant

https://www.onlineathens.com/obituaries/pgsc0813737

As a board-certified cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon and a pioneer in several groundbreaking medical programs in Georgia, I have often been lauded for my achievements and vision in the medical field. However, my accomplishments are not solely my own; they were made possible by the guidance and mentorship of many a remarkable individual and one of those was my cousin and friend, Dr. Vera B. Thurmond. Today, I reflect on her profound influence not only on my life but also on the lives of thousands who dreamt of a career in healthcare.

Dr. Thurmond passed away on May 3, 2024, leaving behind a legacy that is both inspirational and monumental. Born into a time when opportunities were scarce for minorities, she blazed a path filled with determination and excellence. Completing her education at Clark College and the University of Georgia, she went on to dedicate her life to expanding the horizons for others like us—those underrepresented in the fields of science and medicine.

Vera was instrumental in my acceptance into the Medical College of Georgia. She was more than a cousin; she was a confidant, a surrogate mother, and a steadfast advocate who saw potential in me when others doubted my capabilities. Under her guidance at the Student Educational Enrichment Program (SEEP), which she led with passion and foresight, I nurtured the confidence and skills necessary to navigate the challenges of medical school. That same program has supported over 2,300 students, with a significant majority pursuing successful careers in health-related fields. A 2020 evaluation suggested that the program had a $146.9 million economic impact. Dr. Thurmond proved early on that social justice can have an economic return on investment.

Her work, however, extended beyond SEEP. As a researcher, Dr. Thurmond explored the critical impact of minority physician representation on community health, influencing policy and educational practices nationwide. Her teachings and publications have become a bedrock for ongoing studies in health disparities and are continually cited by scholars and practitioners alike.

Following her retirement, Vera continued to educate and inspire as a professor at Paine College, nurturing minds with patience and wisdom, and imbuing in all of us a sense of responsibility to our communities.

As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate her indelible impact. Vera was a beacon of knowledge and kindness, whose life’s work has enabled countless others to see further and reach higher in the pursuit of scientific and medical excellence.

Reflecting on her immense influence and the void her departure leaves behind, I am reminded of the words of Sir Isaac Newton: "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." Indeed, Dr. Vera B. Thurmond was, and will forever be, one of the tallest giants upon whose shoulders I and many others have been privileged to stand. Her legacy will continue to illuminate the paths of future generations, guiding them to see far beyond the horizons she herself expanded.