Dr. Victor Chang made history as Australia’s pioneering heart surgeon, responsible for breakthroughs like the country’s first heart transplant. Though famous, there remain personal details of his life that the public never knew. Here are 10 facts offering a glimpse into the man behind the surgeon’s mask:
- Chang’s Early Life in China Shaped His Worldview
Born in Shanghai in 1936 as Chang Yam Him, Victor was only 4 years old when his family fled to Hong Kong to escape the Japanese occupation. The perils of war and refugees’ plight he witnessed first-hand left a lasting imprint to help the disadvantaged. Later in life, he strove to make healthcare accessible and affordable for all.
- Architecture Was His First Career Choice
Though medicine made him famous, few may know Chang once dreamed of becoming an architect. He had a talent for technical drawing and design which earned him pocket money during his youth in Hong Kong. However, his mother steered him towards medicine which she viewed as a more respectable and stable career.
- Music Was Victor Chang’s Lifelong Passion
Beyond scalpels and stethoscopes, creative arts fueled Dr. Chang’s spirit his whole life. From a young age, he played classical trumpet, piano and violin – even performing concerts during his university days. Music relieved stress during demanding surgical training when he’d unwind by listening to Brahm’s concertos after long, intense days at the hospital.
- He Pioneered Pediatric Cardiac Surgery in Australia
After moving to Australia in 1953, Dr. Chang studied at Sydney University and became first ethnic Chinese doctor approved by the Medical Board. His career kicked off at Sydney’s Children Hospital where he perfected new approaches in pediatric cardiac surgery. This set precedents in Australia helping countless young lives in years to come.
- Chang Performed Australia’s First Heart Transplant in 1968
Though in later years he made global headlines, Dr. Chang’s pioneering surgical feats started early. As cardiac surgery was primitive in the 1960s, every procedure proved groundbreaking. In 1968 Chang led Australia’s first heart transplant operation – well before becoming standard practice. Tragically however, the patient survived only 23 days.
- He Conducted Australia’s First Pig Organ Transplant Trials
By 1970 cardiac surgeons hit obstacles with donor shortages hampering transplants. Never one foregoing bold new ideas, Dr. Chang hypothesized using pig organs as alternatives. He helped conduct Australia’s first xenotransplantation trials transplanting pig hearts into baboons. Though controverial at the time, such cross-species methods may yet help solve transplantation issues in future.
- A Medical Mission to China in 1986 Performed China’s First Heart-Lung Transplant
A proud Chinese patriot, Dr. Chang yearned to use his surgical skills to help the country of his birth. In 1986 he led an Australian medical mission to Shanghai’s Zhongshan Hospital where his team achieved China’s first ever heart-lung transplant. This opened doors between Australian and Chinese hospitals forging bonds that set precedents in Asian cross-cultural surgical cooperation.
- Fast Cars and Reckless Driving Landed Chang in Hot Water During His Youth
A self-confessed adrenaline junkie, the young Victor Chang relished fast cars and driving at dangerous speeds. Unfortunately his leadfoot tendencies landed him in trouble several times clocking up driving offenses and fines for reckless endangerment. Thankfully with maturity came prudence and restraint – his breakneck driving days drew to a close when lives depended on his skilled hands behind the scalpel rather than a steering wheel.
- Becoming a TV Personality Made Him Australia’s Most Famous Doctor
Pioneering surgeon didn’t prevent Dr. Chang captivating Australian television audiences too. His popular medical advice show “Your Heart, Your Life” aired during the 1980s where viewers tuned in to hear Chang’s wisdom for maintaining heart health. This media presence forged his reputation beyond medical circles making him Australia’s best known physician with fans everywhere he went.
- His Tragic Murder in 1991 Shocked the Nation
After surviving the dangers of childhood war and becoming a giant in Australia’s medical history, sadly Dr. Victor Chang’s life ended prematurely in violent crime. In 1991 changes to public healthcare incited a presumed extortion attempt. While being driven from his hospital to home, another vehicle intercepted Dr. Chang’s car and he was fatally shot. Australia reacted in outrage at the murder of their pioneering hero. Over 20,000 attended his state funeral by Sydney Harbour. Amongst condolences sent from around the globe, Prime Minister Bob Hawke tearfully farewelled his friend while delivering a eulogy. Chang was survived by wife Ann and six children who carry on his legacy today via the Victor Chang Foundation for advancing healthcare.
Though the surname ‘Chang’ made Australian medical history, few realized the generosity, creativity and adversity underlying this talented surgeon and visionary leader. Next time you hear mention of Dr Victor Chang’s pioneering achievements, remember the Chinese refugee musician youth who became one of Australia’s most inspirational icons.
Photo courtesy : victorchang.edu.au
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