On Dr. Victor Chang's 87th birthday, Google commemorates the visionary Chinese-Australian heart surgeon with a heartfelt Google Doodle.
Pioneer in Cardiac Medicine:
Dr. Chang significantly influenced the landscape of cardiac surgery, particularly in heart transplantation and artificial heart valve development.
Innovative Spirit:
His innovative spirit led to the development of an artificial heart valve, establishing him as a trailblazer in early heart transplantation.
Youngest Heart Transplant Recipient:
In 1984, Dr. Chang and his team successfully performed a heart transplant on a 14-year-old girl, making her the youngest heart transplant recipient in Australia.
Establishment of Heart Transplant Department:
Following the groundbreaking surgery, he founded a dedicated heart transplant department at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney in the same year.
Honors and Accolades:
Dr. Chang received Australia's highest honor, the Companion of the Order of Australia, in 1986, recognizing his exceptional contributions to cardiac medicine.
Tragic End and Legal Action:
His illustrious journey was tragically cut short in 1991 when he became an unintended victim of a brutal crime, prompting swift legal action against the assailants.
Enduring Legacy:
To honor Dr. Chang's legacy, the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute and the Victor Chang Foundation were established, continuing his mission in cardiovascular research and advancing cardiac surgery training and innovation.