- Alfred Blalock: They say you haven't lived unless you have a lot to regret. I regret... I have some regrets. But I think we should remember not what we lost, but what we've done.
- Alfred Blalock: Vivian, that's a girl's name.
- Vivien Thomas: Yes, my mother was so sure she was having a girl, she picked the name early and kept it.
- Alfred Blalock: Mine was only proud of the fact that I could wiggle my ears.
- Vivien Thomas: I think he'll be proud when you operate.
- Alfred Blalock: He's dead.
- Vivien Thomas: The dead are with us all the time, I believe. Can't separate the past from the future any more than you can a right arm and your left arm.
- Alfred Blalock: Ah but you see they are separated by this, by the heart.
- Vivien Thomas: Or connected.
- Alfred Blalock: Or connected.
- Clara Thomas: You know... in 13 years, Doctor Blalock, I don't recall you ever stopping by our house.
- Alfred Blalock: I don't recall ever being invited.
- [Vivien is abruptly leaving the laboratory]
- Alfred Blalock: We have work to do.
- Vivien Thomas: Do I have your permission, to do some work for my landlord, so I can pay my rent?
- Alfred Blalock: ...I obtained a raise for you, 25 extra dollars a month on top of what you're already making. That's 300 for the whole year. Will that be sufficient?
- Vivien Thomas: What job classification?
- Alfred Blalock: Surgical Technician, I got you promoted.
- Clara Thomas: [Politely sarcastic] Promoted, to what he already does.
- Alfred Blalock: You can begin the incision.
- Vivien Thomas: I'm not ready for that.
- Alfred Blalock: If I say you're ready, you're ready.
- [Long pause]
- Alfred Blalock: I'll mark out the line. And you cut along it. Just like you did for your old Daddy.