David B. Todd Jr. facts for kids

David B. Todd Jr. (born March 22, 1931 – died October 21, 1980) was an important American surgeon. He taught surgery at Meharry Medical College. Dr. Todd was also the first African-American heart surgeon in Nashville, Tennessee. A street in Nashville, Dr DB Todd Jr. Boulevard, is named after him.

Early Life and Education

David Todd was born in 1931 in Jefferson County, Alabama. He went to Morehouse College and earned a bachelor's degree. In 1956, he received his medical degree (MD) from Meharry Medical College. Later, he studied at the University of Minnesota, where he earned a PhD in 1966.

Dr. Todd's Career as a Surgeon

Dr. Todd started teaching surgery at Meharry Medical College in 1966. He also led the heart and chest surgery departments there. He became an associate professor in 1969 and a full professor in 1979.

He worked as a doctor at Hubbard Hospital, which is now Nashville General Hospital. Dr. Todd was known as Nashville's "first black cardiovascular surgeon." In 1972, he led the team that performed the first open heart surgery at Meharry. This was a very big step in medical history for the college.

Dr. Todd was also a member of several important medical groups. These included the American College of Chest Physicians and the American College of Surgeons. He also led the surgical division of the National Medical Association.

Family and Legacy

Dr. Todd was married to Loraine LeShore. They had one son and three daughters. Their family lived in the Bordeaux neighborhood of Nashville.

David Todd Jr. passed away on October 21, 1980, at Riverside Hospital in Nashville. He was 48 years old. His funeral was held at First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill. He was buried in Greenwood Cemetery. In 1982, a street in Nashville was named Dr DB Todd Jr. Boulevard to honor his memory.