Victor Chang Timeline

Victor Chang was born

Nov 21, 1936

Victor Chang was born on 21 November, 1936. His mother's name was May Chang, and his father's name was Aubrey Chang. He is the oldest sibling of his brother and sister.

Relocated to Hong Kong

May 28, 1938

At only one year old, Victor's family relocated to Hong Kong due to his city being invaded by the Japanese.

May Chang passes away

Apr 7, 1948

At the young age of 33, Victor Chang's mother May Chang passed due to breast cancer. Because of this, Victor started studying medicine.

Enrolled in St. Paul's Boys College

Aug 5, 1950

Chang enrolled in St. Paul Boys College in Hong Kong.

Migrated to Australia

Jun 7, 1953

Victor Chang and his younger sister migrated to Australia, as their father travelled for business frequently.

Finished High School

Aug 25, 1953

Victor Chang graduated from Christian Brothers High School in Sydney.

Graduation

Jan 20, 1962

Victor Chang graduated from University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Surgery and Bachelor of Medicine.

Started working at St Vincents Hospital

Feb 1, 1963

Shortly after graduation, Chang started working at St Vincents Hospital, Sydney as a Medical Officer.

Surgery Training

Sep 1, 1965

Chang was sent to England by one of his colleagues for training as a cardiac surgeon

Married to Ann Simmons

Apr 20, 1968

During his time in London, he married a woman named Ann Simmons and they had three children together.

Back to China

Aug 7, 1977

Victor Chang revisited his home city, Shanghai, to help heart patients in need.

Artificial Heart Valve

Jul 3, 1980

Chang began research on building an artificial heart valve. After months of research, the product was finally produced and implanted to thousands of people.

Awarded Advance Australia Award

May 1, 1985

Victor Chang recieved an Advance Australia Award for his efforts in treating heart patients.

Awarded Companion of the Order of Australia

Jan 26, 1986

Chang recieved the Companion of the Order of Australia for his work in China, treating heart patients there and also for his incomplete artificial heart.

Death

Jul 4, 1991

Unfortunately, on his way home in Mosman, Chang was shot by Chew Seng Liew in a failed extortion attempt. His dead body was dumped onto the gutter and the killer fled the scene.

Awarded Australian of the Century

Nov 20, 1999

John Howard, who was Prime Minister at the time, announced Dr. Victor Chang Australian of the Century