On this
date, 4 July 1991, Chinese Australian cardiac surgeon and a pioneer of modern
heart transplantation, Dr. Victor Chang was murdered by two Malaysian men.
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Dr. Victor Chang |
Victor Peter Chang, AC (born Chang Yam Him; 21 November 1936 –
4 July 1991), was a Chinese Australian cardiac surgeon and a pioneer of modern
heart transplantation. Born in Shanghai to Australian-born Chinese parents, he
grew up in Hong Kong before moving to Australia. After completing his medical
studies at the University of Sydney and working in St Vincent's Hospital, he
trained in England and the United States as a surgeon before returning to
Australia. In St Vincent's Hospital, he helped establish the National Cardiac
Transplant Unit, the country's leading centre for heart and lung transplants.
Chang's team had a high success rate in performing heart transplantations and
he pioneered the development of an artificial heart valve.
In 1986, he
was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia for his "service to
international relations between Australia and China and to medical
science". In 1991, Chang died after being shot in a failed extortion
attempt against him. His legacy includes the creation of the Victor
Chang Cardiac Research Institute, being voted Australian of the
Century at the People's Choice Awards, and the establishment of the Victor
Chang Lowy Packer Building in St Vincent's Hospital.
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