DR. CHANG'S STORY

An internationally recognized expert in pediatric cardiology, Dr. Anthony Chang recently came to CHOC from Texas Children's Hospital, where he served as medical director of pediatric cardiac intensive care and chief of critical care cardiology. Dr. Chang was drawn to the energy and spirit he found at CHOC, and saw the size of the CHOC Heart Institute as an advantage to its patients.

"Here we offer more personal attention to patients and their families, and are able to make innovations faster than larger programs," says Dr. Chang. "We are very focused on teamwork and collaboration. Our entire team makes patient rounds together so that everyone understands each patient's diagnosis and treatment plan."

Dr. Chang leads the CHOC Heart Institute with the Japanese philosophy of kaizen top of mind. Meaning "to improve every day," his goal is to be aggressive in continually improving patient care and satisfaction. Currently, he is working to develop a micro-echocardiogram machine to allow for daily patient monitoring and hopes to eventually develop an adolescent and young adult congenital heart program.

"One of my visions is to make a regional push for cooperation between heart programs," says Dr. Chang. "Rather than institutions competing with each other, I see us each becoming integral players in ensuring that Southern California's children have the most accessible, expert care available. Children and families in Orange County can find this type of care here at CHOC."