Dr. Chang Steps Into New Role: Inaugural VC of Strategy and Development

It will come as no surprise to anyone in the Department of Surgery that after 20 years of serving as Chief of the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. James Chang has no intention of slowing down. Indeed, the proverbial torch is still technically in transit to his successor, Dr. Arash Momeni, but he has already taken up a new role: effective immediately Chang is the Department’s inaugural Vice Chair of Strategy and Development.

“Our Department’s development program has benefited significantly from grateful patients and individuals inspired by the research done by our faculty.  Developing materials and training our faculty to engage with potential donors will have a great return,” said Department Chair Dr. Mary Hawn. “Dr. Chang is artful in presenting a compelling vision and engaging potential donors on the impact their gift could have for the advancement of our research and training programs.”

Chang describes the role as a menu of “special projects” from mentoring senior faculty to fundraising.

“I am happy to expand my role from the Division to the Department,” said Chang. “I don’t like asking for money for myself, but I have no problem raising money for other people.”

During his time as Chief, Chang helped create an endowed fund for breast reconstruction research and as well as one to support residents traveling overseas for global reconstructive surgery. In addition, he was ready when a grateful medical school alumnus serendipitously walked into his office interested in leaving a legacy donation. This Ryan-Upson Fund has sponsored such productive young faculty as Paige Fox, Arash Momeni, and Cliff Sheckter.

“I am extremely grateful for everything that Stanford has done for me; they trained me extremely well during residency, gave me seed grants as a junior faculty member, and even helped fund the adoption of my third child,” said Chang. “I look forward to connecting grateful alums, patients, and the community with our surgeons who are doing amazing things.”

Media Contact

About Stanford Surgery

The Stanford University Department of Surgery is dedicated to inventing the future of surgical care through:

• pioneering cutting-edge research, 
• developing the next generation of leaders, and 
• healing through incomparable surgical skills and compassion. 

To learn more, please visit surgery.stanford.edu