Victor Chang - a Eulogy - the Life of a Great Man
Good morning friends, family and all those of you who are here today to celebrate the life of a great man, Victor Chang. Before I begin, I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to the Chang family for their unfortunate loss. This was a senseless and wasteful murder of such an innocent man.
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<br>When I remember Victor, three words come to mind; Compassion, talent and persistence.
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<br>Victor Chang, born on the 25 November 1936 in Shanghai, China was a very talented and naturally gifted person. Victor moved to Hong Kong at a young age from his hometown where he attended primary school and completed part of his secondary education. When Victor was only 15 years old he came to here to Australia and finished his secondary education at the Christian Brothers School in Lewisham, Sydney. Even from a young age I recall how Victor was always receiving awards for his academic achievements. He constantly excelled at whatever was put forth in front of him.
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<br>After securing his leaving certificate Victor had chosen a course in medicine. This decision was greatly influenced by the tragic passing of his beloved mother from cancer. He was destined to save lives. Victor started his degree in medicine at the University of Sydney in 1956 where he studied undeterred and focused solely on building his career. Victor never lost sight of his goal and in 1962 he completed his course and was now known as Dr. Victor Chang. Victor commenced work at the St Vincent's hospital in Sydney where he took a real interest in cardiothoracic (heart and chest) surgery. This area of medicine was, and is still today, one of the most complex to perform. I guess this is why Victor was so suited to it being a complex thinker he was more than qualified in every aspect to meet the challenge.
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<br>Later on in his career, it was evident that most of dynamic cardiothoracic research was taking place overseas. Persistent in always increasing his expertise, Victor moved to the UK in 1965
<br>
<br>When I remember Victor, three words come to mind; Compassion, talent and persistence.
<br>
<br>Victor Chang, born on the 25 November 1936 in Shanghai, China was a very talented and naturally gifted person. Victor moved to Hong Kong at a young age from his hometown where he attended primary school and completed part of his secondary education. When Victor was only 15 years old he came to here to Australia and finished his secondary education at the Christian Brothers School in Lewisham, Sydney. Even from a young age I recall how Victor was always receiving awards for his academic achievements. He constantly excelled at whatever was put forth in front of him.
<br>
<br>After securing his leaving certificate Victor had chosen a course in medicine. This decision was greatly influenced by the tragic passing of his beloved mother from cancer. He was destined to save lives. Victor started his degree in medicine at the University of Sydney in 1956 where he studied undeterred and focused solely on building his career. Victor never lost sight of his goal and in 1962 he completed his course and was now known as Dr. Victor Chang. Victor commenced work at the St Vincent's hospital in Sydney where he took a real interest in cardiothoracic (heart and chest) surgery. This area of medicine was, and is still today, one of the most complex to perform. I guess this is why Victor was so suited to it being a complex thinker he was more than qualified in every aspect to meet the challenge.
<br>
<br>Later on in his career, it was evident that most of dynamic cardiothoracic research was taking place overseas. Persistent in always increasing his expertise, Victor moved to the UK in 1965