![](https://heritage.spc.edu.hk/upload_files/90_alumni/23.png)
Victor Chang Yam Him AC
張任謙
(1936–1991)
Completed studies in 1952 - Cardiothoracic Surgeon
1952年肄業 — 心臟移植醫師
Born in Shanghai, Victor Chang studied at St. Paul’s College between 1950 and 1952. A Chinese-born Australian heart and lung (cardiothoracic) surgeon, Chang moved to Australia in 1953 and dedicated his life to advancing heart surgery across the Asia-Pacific.
Graduating from the University of Sydney, Chang trained across the UK and at the USA’s Mayo Clinic, though it was his work at Sydney’s St. Vincent’s Hospital that remains the most remembered. In 1984, he founded the National Heart Transplant Programme, an Australian first. Until his death, Chang’s team performed over 250 heart transplants. Recognising the need to reduce reliance on donors, Chang researched and developed low-cost artificial heart valves and artificial hearts.
Chang also knew the importance of international medical exchange. From 1978, he worked closely with Chinese doctors, sponsoring them to train in Australia. He has additionally advised Indonesia and Japan on setting up their heart transplant programmes. He was appointed to the Australia–China Council in 1982, improving Sino-Australian ties. In 1986, he was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia.
Chang was murdered in 1991, the victim of a failed extortion attempt. He was given a state funeral from the New South Wales government and remains a household name in Australia today.