What significant medical practice was first performed by the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine?

The practice of using rubber gloves during surgery is historically significant due to its pioneering implementation by the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in the late 19th century. Introduced by Dr. William Halsted in 1889, the use of rubber gloves was initially implemented to protect the hands of surgeons and their assistants from chemicals and prevent infections during procedures. This innovative practice greatly enhanced surgical hygiene and paved the way for improved patient outcomes, setting a new standard for surgical procedures.

The decision to adopt gloves was based on the growing understanding of germ theory and the need to minimize contamination during surgeries, a principle that is central to modern surgical methods. This transformative practice not only influenced surgical techniques but also contributed to the establishment of aseptic operating environments, which have evolved into the comprehensive infection control protocols used today.

The other practices mentioned, such as heart surgery, transplantation, and medical imaging, have their own historical significance and advancements, but they do not connect as directly to the groundbreaking change that the introduction of rubber gloves signified in surgical practices at Johns Hopkins.