Goldie D. Brangman is a notable nurse in history, largely known for her role in a successful emergency heart surgery as well as serving in leadership roles.

Ms. Brangman was part of the Harlem Hospital surgical team that performed a successful heart surgery on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. after an attempt on his life in 1958. She was on the front lines of a life-saving procedure for a historical civil rights leader and made a difference in keeping him alive. During the surgery, Ms. Brangman physically operated the breathing bag that kept Dr. King alive during surgery.

After this notable and life-saving effort, Ms. Brangman’s career took off in various directions. One of which included her serving as President of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) between 1973-1974.

She continued her career with volunteering for the American Red Cross. In 2017, she was still volunteering at the age of 100 with the American Red Cross, as well as maintaining her active member status with the AANA.

We are grateful for exceptional nurses such as Ms. Brangman and thank her for paving the way for those who followed.  

Source: Walker, B. A. 12 Leaders in Nursing and Medicine To Honor This Black History Month. Nurse.org. https://nurse.org/articles/black-history-month-nursing-leaders/