Who Was Dr Victor Chang? How Did Dr Victor Chang And His Wife Die?
by Ayisha
Updated Nov 25, 2023
![Who Was Dr Victor Chang? How Did Dr Victor Chang And His Wife Die? Who Was Dr Victor Chang? How Did Dr Victor Chang And His Wife Die?](https://img20.fresherslive.com/latestnews/2023/11/who-was-dr-victor-chang-how-did-dr-victor-chang-and-his-wife-die-6561d64e07f3c37941065-1200.webp)
Who Was Dr Victor Chang?
Dr. Victor Chang was a pioneering Chinese-Australian heart surgeon born in Shanghai in 1936. Known for his groundbreaking work in cardiovascular surgery, he played a crucial role in advancing heart transplantation in Australia. Dr. Chang achieved the country's first successful heart transplant in 1984 and led a team that conducted over 266 heart transplants, 22 heart-lung transplants, and six single lung transplants during his tenure at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney.
His dedication to innovation extended to the development of an artificial heart valve, contributing significantly to cardiac surgery. Despite his remarkable achievements, Dr. Chang's life was tragically cut short in 1991 when he was fatally shot during a failed extortion attempt.
Name
Chang Yam Him
Date of Birth
21 November 1936
Place of Birth
Shanghai, China
Died
4 July 1991
Age at Death
Aged 54 years
Cause of Death
Murder (ballistic trauma)
Place of Death
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Nationality
Chinese and Australian
How Did Dr Victor Chang and His Wife Die?
Dr. Victor Chang and his wife, Ann Simmons, did not die together. Dr. Chang's life came to a tragic end on July 4, 1991, when he was fatally shot during a failed extortion attempt. The incident occurred in Sydney, Australia, as he was en route to the hospital. Two assailants, Phillip Lim and Chiew Seng Liew, orchestrated a staged car accident as a cover for their kidnapping attempt. Unfortunately, the situation escalated, leading to Dr. Chang being shot, leaving the nation and the medical community in shock and disbelief.
On the other hand, there are not details about Ann Simmons' death. It's essential to note that Dr. Chang's wife, Ann Simmons, survived beyond the tragic events that claimed her husband's life. The details about Ann Simmons' life after the death of Dr. Chang are not revealed. The impact of Dr. Chang's untimely death had profound and enduring effects on both his family and the wider community.
The legacy of Dr. Chang, particularly through The Victor Chang Foundation and The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, continues to contribute significantly to cardiovascular research and education, honoring his visionary work and enduring contributions to the field of medicine.
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Dr Victor Chang Career
Dr. Victor Chang's distinguished career was characterized by pioneering contributions to cardiothoracic surgery and innovative progress in heart transplantation. Following the completion of his medical education, Chang underwent an internship at St Vincent's Hospital, where he received guidance from cardiac surgeon Mark Shanahan.
He further refined his expertise in London under the mentorship of British surgeon Aubrey York Mason and attained the status of Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1966. Continuing his specialization in cardiothoracic surgery, he pursued additional training at the Royal Brompton Hospital.
Upon his return to the United States, Chang spent two transformative years at the Mayo Clinic, eventually reaching the position of chief resident. Rejoining St Vincent's Hospital in 1972, he played a pivotal role in shaping the hospital's cardiothoracic surgery department. Teaming up with surgeon Harry Windsor, Chang became a vocal advocate for heart transplants, successfully establishing a heart transplant program in 1980. The team's notable achievements included more than 197 heart transplants and 14 heart–lung transplants between 1984 and 1990, boasting an impressive 90% survival rate beyond the initial year.
Dr Victor Chang Cause of Death
Dr. Victor Chang's tragic death occurred on July 4, 1991, and the cause was a fatal shooting during a failed extortion attempt. The incident unfolded as Dr. Chang was en route to the hospital in Sydney. Two assailants, Phillip Lim and Chiew Seng Liew, orchestrated a staged car accident as a cover for their kidnapping attempt. Unfortunately, the situation escalated, leading to Dr. Chang being shot twice in the head. This shocking event left the nation and the medical community in deep sorrow and disbelief.
The heinous crime was committed by Lim and Liew, who demanded a ransom during the kidnapping attempt. The assailant responsible for firing the fatal shots, Chiew Seng Liew, received a maximum prison sentence of 26 years. After serving 21 years, he was released and deported to Malaysia in 2012. The other assailant, Phillip Lim, was granted parole in 2009 after completing his minimum sentence.
Who Was Dr Victor Chang: FAQs
Dr. Victor Chang was fatally shot twice in the head during a failed extortion attempt in Sydney.
Malaysian citizens Chew Seng Liew and Choon Tee Lim were responsible for Dr. Chang's murder.
The assailants, after randomly selecting Dr. Chang, forced him to stop his car by crashing into it and shot him during a disagreement over money.
Chew Seng Liew received a 26-year prison sentence, and Choon Tee Lim received 18 to 24 years for their roles in Dr. Chang's murder.