Victor Chang, Chinese-Australian surgeon (d. 1991)
Victor Peter Chang, AC (born Chang Yam Him; 21 November 1936 – 4 July 1991), was a Chinese born Australian cardiac surgeon and a pioneer of modern heart transplantation. After completing his medical studies at the University of Sydney and working in St Vincent's Hospital, he trained in the United Kingdom and the United States as a surgeon before returning to Australia. In St Vincent's Hospital, he helped establish the National Cardiac Transplant Unit, the country's leading centre for heart and lung transplants. Chang's team had a high success rate in performing heart transplantations and he pioneered the development of an artificial heart valve.In 1986, he was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia for his "service to international relations between Australia and China and to medical science".In 1991, Chang died after being shot in a failed extortion attempt against him. His legacy includes setting up his own Foundation, the Victor Chang Foundation. Additionally, after his death the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute was created, and the Victor Chang Lowy Packer Building at St Vincent's Hospital was established.
In 1999, he was voted Australian of the Century at the People's Choice Awards.