Who Was Dr Victor Chang: How Did Dr Victor Chang And His Wife Die?

Australian cardiac surgeon Victor Peter Chang AC, who was born into Chinese culture, was a trailblazer of contemporary heart transplantation in Australia.

His murder in 1991, which shocked Australia, is regarded as one of the most infamous in the history of the nation.

On July 4, 1991, Dr. Victor Chang, an Australian-Chinese cardiac surgeon, passed away suddenly. Two deadly gunshots to the head occurred during an unsuccessful extortion attempt by attackers from Malaysia.

Who Was Dr Victor Chang?

Born in Shanghai in 1936, Dr. Victor Chang was a trailblazing Chinese-Australian cardiac surgeon. Renowned for his innovative contributions to cardiovascular surgery, he significantly contributed to the advancement of heart transplantation in Australia.

He worked at St. Vincent’s Hospital after completing his medical studies at the University of Sydney. He then trained as a surgeon in the UK and the US before coming back to Australia. He played a key role in founding the nation’s premier heart and lung transplant center, the National Cardiac Transplant Unit, at St. Vincent’s Hospital.

Chang led the development of the artificial heart valve and his team performed heart transplants with a high success rate. For his “service to medical science and international relations between Australia and China,” he was named a Companion of the Order of Australia in 1986.

During his time at Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital, Dr. Chang oversaw a team that performed over 266 heart transplants, 22 heart-lung transplants, and six single lung transplants. In 1984, he performed the nation’s first successful heart transplant.

His commitment to creativity led to the creation of an artificial heart valve, which had a big impact on cardiac surgery. Dr. Chang had accomplished so much, but his life was sadly cut short in 1991 when an attempted extortion went wrong and he was shot to death.

Two young men killed Chang after an unsuccessful extortion attempt. He established the Dr. Victor Chang Foundation as part of his legacy. In addition, the Dr. Victor Chang Lowy Packer Building at St. Vincent’s Hospital and the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute were established following his passing.

In 1966, Chang got married to Ann Simmons. After feeling ill at a party, Ann checked herself into St. Anthony’s Hospital in North Cheam, London, where he worked as an emergency physician on call. Marcus, Matthew, and Vanessa were their three children.

Cars “provided a chance for Dad to get away from it all; they were his hobby and his opportunity to relax,” according to his children, who also claimed that he enjoyed driving. He enjoyed driving a variety of cars, including his 1982 Citroën CX Prestige and several Porsches, and restored a 1950s MG TF.

Anthony, a brother, and Frances, a sister, were Chang’s two younger siblings. Although he was not religious, he was well-known for his compassion and for asking Sister Bernice, the hospital’s nun, to pray for his patients.

How Did Dr Victor Chang and His Wife Die?

Ann Simm ons did not pass away with her husband, Dr. Victor Chang. On July 4, 1991, Dr. Chang tragically lost his life after being shot dead in the course of an unsuccessful extortion attempt.

When it happened, he was traveling to the hospital in Sydney, Australia. In order to hide their attempted kidnapping, two attackers, Phillip Lim and Chiew Seng Liew, faked a vehicle accident. Sadly, things got out of hand, and Dr. Chang was shot, shocking the country as well as the medical world.

However, there are no specifics on Ann Simmons’ death. It is important to remember that Ann Simmons, the wife of Dr. Chang, lived past the sad circumstances that took her husband’s life. There are no disclosed information regarding Ann Simmons’ life following the passing of Dr. Chang. Dr. Chang’s premature passing had a significant and long-lasting impact on his family as well as the larger society.

Honoring Dr. Chang’s groundbreaking work and enduring contributions to medicine, the Victor Chang Foundation and The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, in particular, continue to play a major role in cardiovascular research and teaching.

Dr Victor Chang Career

Innovative advancements in heart transplantation and groundbreaking contributions to cardiothoracic surgery defined Dr. Victor Chang’s illustrious career. After completing medical school, Chang worked as an intern at St. Vincent’s Hospital under the supervision of heart surgeon Mark Shanahan.

Under the guidance of British surgeon Aubrey York Mason, he furthered his training in London and became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1966. He continued his cardiothoracic surgery specialty by obtaining more training at the Royal Brompton Hospital.

After Chang returned to the United States, he worked at the Mayo Clinic for two years that changed his life, rising to the rank of chief resident. After returning to St. Vincent’s Hospital in 1972, he was instrumental in establishing the cardiothoracic surgery department inside the hospital.

Along with surgeon Harry Windsor, Chang successfully launched a heart transplant program in 1980 and became an outspoken supporter of the procedure. During 1984 and 1990, the team performed over 197 heart transplants and 14 heart-lung transplants, with an outstanding 90% survival rate after the first year.

Dr Victor Chang Cause of Death

On July 4, 1991, Dr. Victor Chang passed away tragically due to a deadly gunshot that transpired after an unsuccessful attempt at extortion. Dr. Chang was traveling to the hospital in Sydney when the event happened. In order to hide their attempted kidnapping, two attackers, Phillip Lim and Chiew Seng Liew, faked a vehicle accident.

Sadly, things got out of hand and Dr. Chang ended up getting shot twice in the head. The country and the medical profession were in shock and amazement following this tragic incident.

Lim and Liew committed the horrific crime by demanding a ransom during the attempted kidnapping.Chiew SengLiew, the attacker who fired the deadly rounds, was given a minimum jail sentence of 26 years. In 2012, he was freed and deported to Malaysia following his 21-year sentence. Following the fulfillment of his minimum term, Phillip Lim, the other attacker, was given release in 2009.

 Who Was Dr. Victor Chang: FAQs 

What Was the Cause of Dr. Victor Chang’s Death?

In Sydney, Dr. Victor Chang was shot twice in the head during an attempted extortion that ended in death.

Who were the people that killed Dr. Chang?

Choon Tee Lim and Chew Seng Liew, both nationals of Malaysia, were the ones who killed Dr. Chang.

What conditions gave rise to the demise of Dr. Chang?

After picking Dr. Chang at random, the attackers shot him during a monetary argument and forced him to halt his car by smashing into it.

What were the legal ramifications for the offenders?

For their participation in Dr. Chang’s murder, Chew Seng Liew and Choon Tee Lim were sentenced to 26 and 18 to 24 years in jail, respectively.

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