At What Age Did Dr. Victor Chang Die And How Old Is He Today?

Dr. Victor Peter Chang, AC, was a remarkable Australian cardiac surgeon who pioneered the field of heart transplantation. He was born in Shanghai, China, to Chinese parents who were born in Australia, and died at the age of 54 on July 4, 1991.

Dr. Victor Peter Chang, AC, was a remarkable Australian cardiac surgeon who pioneered the field of heart transplantation. He was born in Shanghai, China, to Chinese parents who were born in Australia, and died at the age of 54 on July 4, 1991.

Who was Dr. Victor Chang?

Victor Peter Chang, AC, originally known as Chang Yam Him, marked his indelible legacy as a Chinese-born Australian cardiac surgeon and trailblazer in the realm of heart transplantation in Australia. Born on November 21, 1936, in Shanghai to Australian-born Chinese British parents, he later grew up in Hong Kong, where he pursued his early education.

His family’s decision to send him and his younger sister to Sydney in 1951 became a pivotal moment in his life. Chang attended Belmore Boys’ High School and completed his secondary education at Christian Brothers’ High School in Lewisham.

Chang’s unfortunate death on July 4, 1991, shocked the nation and is remembered as one of Australia’s most notorious murders. Despite his tragic death, Chang’s remarkable contributions to cardiac surgery and transplantation live on.

Dr. Victor Chang’s Career Journey

Following his medical studies at the University of Sydney, he honed his skills at St Vincent’s Hospital before continuing his education in the UK and the US. When Chang returned to Australia, he was instrumental in establishing the National Cardiac Transplant Unit at St. Vincent’s Hospital, which became the country’s leading center for heart and lung transplants.

Chang’s expertise and leadership were instrumental in achieving a high success rate in heart transplantations, solidifying his reputation as a visionary in the medical community. Notably, he spearheaded the development of an artificial heart valve, showcasing his commitment to advancing medical science.

Recognizing his outstanding contributions, he was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in 1986 for his service to international relations between Australia and China and to medical science.

Things took a tragic turn in 1991 when Chang was killed suddenly as a result of an unsuccessful extortion attempt. The Victor Chang Foundation was founded in the wake of this tragic loss to honor his lasting influence. Furthermore, two enduring memorials to his legacy are the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute and the Victor Chang Lowy Packer Building at St. Vincent’s Hospital.

Chang’s unfortunate death on July 4, 1991, shocked the nation and is remembered as one of Australia’s most notorious murders. Despite his tragic death, Chang’s remarkable contributions to cardiac surgery and transplantation live on.

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Following his medical studies at the University of Sydney, he honed his skills at St. Vincent’s Hospital before continuing his education in the UK and the US. When Chang returned to Australia, he was instrumental in establishing the National Cardiac Transplant Unit at St. Vincent’s Hospital, which became the country’s leading center for heart and lung transplants.

At What Age Did Dr. Victor Chang Die, And How Old Is He Today?

Dr. Victor Chang died at the age of 54 on July 4, 1991. Today, November 21, 2023, Dr. Chang would have been 87 years old.

Chang was shot twice in the head during a failed extortion attempt in Mosman, Sydney, on July 4, 1991. Chew Seng Liew and Choon Tee Lim, two Malaysian men, chose Chang from a magazine and forced him to pull over. Liew fired the fatal shots after an argument, entering near the right cheek and exiting below the right ear.

The second fatal shot, fired at point blank range, entered the right temple and passed through the brain. Police initially suspected Triad syndicates were involved, but later concluded the killing was a random act.

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