A national hero, Victor Chang was hailed as “the most prominent doctor in the southern hemisphere”. His revolutionary work in the field of heart transplantation has benefited cardiac patients worldwide.

After attending CBHS, Chang studied at the University of Sydney and worked at St Vincent’s Hospital. He travelled to the US and UK for further study before returning to St Vincent’s Hospital in 1972.

Dr Chang founded the National Heart Transplant Program at St Vincent’s Hospital, which has since performed thousands of successful transplants. Dr Chang played a key role in developing an artificial heart valve and an artificial heart assist device. In 1986, he was awarded our country’s highest honour, a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) and in 2000 was voted Australian of the Century by the people of Australia.

A caring surgeon and humanitarian, Dr Chang was passionate about the power of discovery. He had a bold vision to establish a world-class medical research institute, knowing that while he could save hundreds of lives through surgery, he could save thousands more through research. The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute is dedicated to his memory.