Google Doodle Celebrates the Heart Surgeon Dr Victor Chang

China – On Tuesday, November 21, 2023, Google Doodle celebrates Chinese-Australian surgeon Dr Victor Chang. He is a pioneer of cardiac and transplant surgery. 

Dr Chang was born in Shanghai on November 21, 1936. Unfortunately, he was tragically murdered in 1991 by two men in failed extortion attempt. 

He was remembered as a trailblazer within cardiovascular surgery and transplantion and a humanitarian. 

Hailed as the most prominent doctor in the southern hemisphere, his revolutionary work had implications for cardiac patients, not only in Australia and Southeast Asia but around the world. 

One of his most significant contributions to cardiology includes developing an artificial heart valve and an artificial heart assist device that are used worldwide in severe heart conditions.

It was significantly cheaper than previous models, making it globally accessible for use in lifesaving procedures.

In 1984, he led a team of surgeons who successfully performed a heart transplant on 14-year-old Fiona Coote.

She defied all odds to become Australia’s youngest heart transplant survivor.

At a young age, Dr Chang’s mother developed breast cancer, prompting the youngster’s interest in pursuing a career in medicine.

He studied medicine and surgery at the University of Sydney, before starting residency training at St. Vincent’s Hospital and working at several hospitals around the world.

He returned to Australia in 1972 and became a cardiothoracic surgeon at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, saving the lives of hundreds of patients.

Passionate about sharing knowledge and skills to improve global healthcare, he created the Victor Chang Foundation in 1984. 

The Foundation awards grants to educate South East Asian surgeons to bring them to St. Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney to be trained in advanced cardiac surgery, particularly heart transplantation. Grants are also given to programmes that explore innovation in cardiac surgery.

In 1994, the Research Institute was founded and named after him to honour his legacy and remains dedicated to finding cures, prevention, and diagnostic tools for cardiovascular disease. Through these organisations, medical developments continue to advance and save lives.

Renowned for his compassionate approach to patients, Dr Chang was voted Australian of the Century at the People’s Choice Awards in 1999, and received Australia’s highest honour in 1986: the Companion of the Order of Australia.

Google's Doodle serves as a fitting tribute to Dr. Victor Chang, a man who dedicated his life to alleviating human suffering and advancing the field of cardiac surgery. 

His groundbreaking innovations and unwavering dedication continue to inspire and shape the world of medicine, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of countless patients worldwide.