description Thomas Shields Overview
Thomas W. Shields was an American thoracic surgeon and medical editor closely associated with the textbook General Thoracic Surgery. Through successive editions, the reference brought together material on diseases and operations involving the lungs, esophagus, chest wall, mediastinum, and related structures. The work was written for surgeons and trainees and became widely used in the education and practice of general thoracic surgery.
insights Ranking position
Thomas Shields ranks #194 of 342 in the Surgeon ranking, behind Vladimir Demikhov, ahead of Elliott Cutler.
help Thomas Shields FAQ
Why is Thomas Shields important to thoracic-surgery education?
Thomas W. Shields was the founding editor of General Thoracic Surgery, a major reference covering diseases and operations of the chest. Successive editions became standard resources for thoracic surgeons and trainees.
What subjects does Shields' General Thoracic Surgery cover?
The text addresses areas such as lung cancer, the esophagus, mediastinal disease, chest-wall conditions, and thoracic operative techniques. It concerns general thoracic surgery rather than focusing primarily on operations inside the heart.
Is General Thoracic Surgery still published only under Shields' name?
Later editions retained Shields in the title while adding new editors and updated contributors. The continuing title reflects Thomas Shields' role in establishing the work, even as the specialty and editorial team evolved.
How is a thoracic surgeon's work different from a cardiac surgeon's work?
General thoracic surgery mainly covers the lungs, esophagus, mediastinum, chest wall, and related structures. Cardiac surgery centers on the heart and great vessels, although both fields developed within cardiothoracic surgery.
explore Explore More
Similar to Thomas Shields
See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
