| David W. Chang, M.D., F.A.C.S. |
Present Title & Affiliation
Primary Appointment
Bio Statement
David W. Chang, M.D., is professor in the Department of Plastic Surgery, deputy department chair of clinical operations, director of the plastic surgery clinic and director of the microsurgery laboratory at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. He holds joint appointments as clinical associate professor, Department of Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine, and adjunct associate professor, Department of Bioengineering at Rice University.
Dr. Chang has been named to Best Doctors in America every year from 2001 to 2008. Dr. Chang has been invited to lecture at over 70 symposiums and meetings both nationally and internationally and to give over 30 visiting professor lectureships in 15 countries. Dr. Chang has many publications to his credit, including over 60 peer-reviewed publications.
Research Interests
While Dr. Chang specializes in complex microsurgical reconstructive surgery in cancer patients involving all areas of the body, his primary research focuses have been in breast reconstruction, and restoration of extremity defects (eg. lymphedema).
Office Address
1515 Holcombe Boulevard
Department of Plastic Surgery
Unit Number: 443
Houston, TX 77030-4009
Room Number: FC8.2000
Phone: (713) 794-1247
Fax: (713) 794-5492
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education | |
| 1987 | University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, WI, MD, Medicine |
| 1983 | University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, BS, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (Honors) |
Postgraduate Training | |
| 7/1993-6/1994 | Fellowship, Microsurgery and Hand Surgery, Microsurgical Transplantation and Replantation Center, San Francisco, CA, Harry J. Buncke, M.D. |
| 7/1991-6/1993 | Residency, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, Berish Strauch, M.D |
| 7/1987-6/1991 | Residency, General Surgery, University of Illinois - Metropolitan Group Hospitals, Chicago, IL, Yousef Pilch, M.D. |
Board Certifications
| 1/2004 | American Board of Plastic Surgery-recertification |
| 1/1998 | Added Qualification in Surgery of the Hand |
| 1/1996 | American Board of Plastic Surgery |
| 1/1991 | National Board of Medical Examiners |
Experience/Service
Academic Appointments
Administrative Appointments/Responsibilities
Honors and Awards
| 2006 | America's Top Surgeons, Guide to America's Top Surgeons, 2006 Edition |
| 2004 | America's Top Physicians, Guide to America's Top Physicians |
| 2004 | Top Docs in Houston, H Texas Magazine |
| 2001-2009 | Best Doctor, Best Doctors, Inc. Aiken |
| 1999 | The Best Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons in the U.S., Media Perspectives, Media Perspectives |
Professional Memberships
| American Association for Hand Surgery, 1999 to Present Member, Internet Applications Committee, 2000-2001 |
| American Association of Plastic Surgeons, 2003 to present Awards Committee, 2003-2004 |
| American Board of Plastic Surgeons, Philadelphia, PA Member, 1996-present |
| American College of Surgeons, 2001 to Present Scholarship Selector, ACS/ASPS Health Policy Scholarship, 2008 |
| American Society for Peripheral Nerve, 2002 to Present Member, Program Committee, 2003-2004 |
| American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery Junior Member-at-large, ASRM Council, 2003 Member, Program Committee, 2000-2001 |
| American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 1991 to Present Member, Research Grants Committee, Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation, 2000-2004 |
| European Skull Base Association, Rotterdam, Netherlands Member, Advisory Board, 2008-present |
| International Oncoplastic Breast Surgery, Daegu, Korea, Republic of Member, International Advisory Committee, 9/2008-9/2010 |
| Korean American Medical Association Chairman, Texas Chapter, 2003-2004 |
| Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation, 2004 - Present Grant Reviewer, 2004-present |
| Plastic Surgery Research Council, 2002 to Present Member, Program Committee, 2004-present |
| World Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery, 1999 to Present Chair, Bylaws, 2007-2009 |
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Original Research Articles | |
| 1. | Chang DW, Kim S. Breast reconstruction and lymphedema. Plast Reconstr Surg. In Press. |
| 2. | Cheng MH, Brey EM, Allori AC, Gassman A, Chang DW, Patrick CW Jr, Miller MJ. Periosteum guided prefabrication of vascularized bone of clinical shape and volume. Plast Reconstr Surg 124(3):787-795, 9/2009. |
| 3. | Sacks JM, Chang DW. Rib-sparing internal mammary vessel harvest for microvascular breast reconstruction in 100 consecutive cases. Plast Reconstr Surg 123(5):1403-07, 5/2009. PMID: 19407609. |
| 4. | Hanasono MM, Friel MT, Klem C, Hsu PW, Robb GL, Weber RS, Roberts DB, Chang DW. Impact of reconstructive microsurgery in patients with advanced oral cavity cancers. Head Neck. e-Pub 4/2009. PMID: 19373778. |
| 5. | Yu P, Chang DW, Miller MJ, Reece G, and Robb GL. Analysis of 49 cases of flap compromise in 1310 free flaps for head and neck reconstruction. Head Neck 31(1):45-51, 1/2009. PMID: 18972428. |
| 6. | Chang DW, Satterfield WC, Son D, Neto N, Madewell JE, Raymond K, Patrick Jr CW, Miller MJ, Costelloe CM, Weber K. Use of vascularized periosteum or bone to improve healing of segmental allografts after tumor resection: an ovine rib model. Plast Reconstr Surg 123(1):71-78, 1/2009. PMID: 19116538. |
| 7. | Wu LC, Bajaj AK, Chang DW, Chevray PM. Comparison of donor site morbidity of the SIEA, DIEP and ms-TRAM flaps for breast reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg 122(3):702-9, 9/2008. |
| 8. | Davis JW, Chang D, Chevray P, Wang R, Shen Y, Wen S, Pettaway CA, Pisters LL, Swanson DA, Madsen LT, Huber N, Troncoso P, Babaian RJ, Wood CG. Randomized phase II trial evaluation of erectile function after unilateral cavernous nerve sparing radical prostatectomy with versus without unilatereal sural nerve grafting for clinically localized prostate cancer. European Urology. e-Pub 9/2008. |
| 9. | Chang DW, Barnea Y, Robb GL. Effects of an autologous flap combined with an implant for breast reconstruction: an evaluation of 1000 consecutive reconstruction of previously irradiated breasts. Plast Reconstr Surg 122(2):356-62, 8/2008. |
| 10. | Chang DW, Fortin AJ, Oates SD, Lewis VO. Reconstruction of the pelvic ring with vascularized double-strut fibular flap following internal hemipelvectomy. Plast Reconstr Surg 121(6):1993-2000, 6/2008. |
| 11. | Crosby MA, Martin JW, Robb GL, Chang DW. Pediatric mandibular reconstruction using a vascularized fibula flap. Head & Neck 30(3):311-19, 3/2008. |
| 12. | Saint-Cyr M, Youssef A, Bae HW, Robb GL, Chang DW. Changing trends in recipient vessel selection for microvascular autologous breast reconstruction: an analysis of 1,483 consecutive cases. Plast Reconstr Surg 119(7):1993-2000, 2007. |
| 13. | Brey EM, Cheng MH, Allori A, Satterfield W, Chang DW, Patrick CW, Miller MJ. Comparison of guided bone rormation from periosteum and muscle fascia. Plast Reconstr Surg 119(4):1216-22, 2007. |
| 14. | Saint-Cyr M, Chang DW, Robb GL, Chevray PM. Internal mammary perforator recipient vessels for breast reconstruction using free TRAM, DIEP, and SIEA flaps. Plast Reconstr Surg 120(7):1769-1773, 2007. |
| 15. | Miller RB, Miller MJ, Reece GP, Kroll SS, Chang DW, Langstein HN, Ziogas A, Robb GL, Evans GRD. Microvascular breast reconstruction in the diabetic patient. Plast Reconstr Surg 119(1):38-45, 2007. |
| 16. | Moore BA, DeMonte F, Robb GL, Chang DW. Reconstruction of ablative skull base defects in the pediatric population. Plast Reconstr Surg 120(3):719-727, 2007. |
| 17. | Chang DW, Friel MT, Youssef AA. Reconstructive strategies in soft tissue reconstruction after resection of spinal neoplasms. Spine 32(10):1101-6, 2007. |
| 18. | Bajaj AK, Chevray PM, Chang DW. Comparison of donor-site complications and functional outcomes in free muscle-sparing TRAM flap and free DIEP flap breast reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg 117:737-46; discussion 747-50, 2006. PMID: 16525258. |
| 19. | Pikkula B, Chang DW, Nelson JS, Anvari B. Comparison of 585 and 595 laser-induced vascular response of normal in vivo human skin. Lasers Surg Med 36(2):117-123, 2005. |
| 20. | Pikkula B, Chang DW, Dai T, Anvari B. Epidermal and vascular damage analysis of in-vivo human skin in response to 595nm pulsed laser irradiation. Laser Surg Med, 2005. |
| 21. | Cheng MH, Brey EM, Allori A, Satterfield WC, Chang DW, Miller MJ. Ovine model for engineering bone segments. Tissue Eng 11(1-2):214-25, 2005. |
| 22. | Heller L, Chang DW. Pedicled flaps for foot defects in elderly patients: is duplex ultrasonography necessary? Plast Reconstr Surg 116(6):1836-7, 2005. |
| 23. | Calabro P, Chang DW, Willerson JT, Yeh ET. Release of c-reactive protein in response to inflammatory cytokines by human adipocytes: linking obesity to vascular inflammation. Am Coll Cardiol 46(6):1112-3, 2005. |
| 24. | Heller L, Feledy JA, Chang DW. Strategies and options for free TRAM flap breast reconstruction in patients with midline abdominal scars. Plast Reconstr Surg 116(3):753-9, 2005. |
| 25. | Chang DW, Weber KL. Use of a vascularized fibula bone flap and intercalary allograft for diaphyseal reconstruction after resection of primary extremity bone sarcomas. Plast Reconstr Surg 116(7):1918-25, 2005. |
| 26. | Kim JYS, Chang DW, Temple C, Beahm EK, Robb GL. Free TRAM flap breast reconstruction in patients with prior abdominal suction-assisted lipectomy. Plast Reconstr Surg 113(3):28e, 2004. |
| 27. | Chang DW, Weber KL. Segmental femur reconstruction using an intercalary allograft with an intramedullary vascularized fibula bone flap. J Reconstr Microsurg 20(3):195-199, 2004. |
| 28. | Dai T, Pikkula BM, Tunnell JW, Chang DW, Anvari B. Thermal response of human skin epidermis to 595-nm laser irradiation at high incident dosage and long pulse durations in conjunction with cryogen spray cooling: An ex-vivo study. Laser Surg Med 33(1):16-24, 2004. |
| 29. | Kim JYS, Subramania V, Youssef A, Rogers BA, Robb GL, Chang DW. Upper extremity limb salvage with microvascular reconstruction in patients with advanced sarcoma. Plast Reconstr Surg 114(2):400-408, 2004. |
| 30. | Kim JY, Youssef A, Subramanian V, Rogers BA, Pollock RE, Robb GL, Chang DW. Upper extremity reconstruction following resection of soft tissue sarcomas: a functional outcomes analysis. Ann of Surg Onc 11(10):921-7, 2004. |
Invited Articles | |
| 1. | Chang DW, Ferguson RE. Primary versus secondary postmastectomy reconstruction. Handchir Mikrochir Plast Chir 40:225-9, 8/2008. |
| 2. | Chang DW. Discussion: Periareolar skin-sparing mastectomy and latissimus dorsi flap with biodimensional expander implant reconstruction: surgical planning, outcome, and complications. Plast Reconstr Surg 119(6):1650-2, 2007. |
| 3. | DeMonte F, Moore BA, Chang DW. Skull base reconstruction in the pediatric patient. Skull Base 17(1):39-51, 2007. |
| 4. | Beahm EK, Walton RL and Chang DW. Breast reconstruction in the obese patient. Plast Reconstr Surg 118(4 (Suppl)):15, 9/2006. |
| 5. | Skoracki RJ, Chang DW. Reconstruction of the chestwall and thorax. J Surg Oncol 94:455-65, 2006. PMID: 17061266. |
| 6. | Chang DW. Discussion: Nahabedian MY, Tsangaris T, Momen B. Breast reconstruction with the DIEP flap or the muscle-sparing (MS-2) free TRAM flap: Is there a difference? Plast Reconstr Surg 115(2):445-446, 2005. |
| 7. | Chang DW. Discussion: Cavernous nerve reconstruction during radical prostatectomy by sural nerve grafting: surgical techniques in nerve harvesting and grafting. J Reconstr Microsurg 21(8):530-2, 2005. |
| 8. | Chang DW. Discussion: Delay of TRAM flap reconstruction improves flap reliability in the obese patient. Plast Reconstr Surg 116(2):619-20, 2005. |
| 9. | Beahm EK, Chang DW. Chest wall reconstruction and advanced disease. Sem Plast Surg 18(2):117-129, 2004. |
| Other Articles | |
| 1. | Chang DW. Lymphedema. Conquest 23(4):10-11, 2009. |
Other | |
| 1. | Internal Publication. Advancing the Treatment of Lymphedema. Interview for OncoLog: Report Physicians. Internal M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Publication. June 2009. Vol. 54, No. 6, 4-5.. |
Last updated: 9/24/2009
- Global Navigation
- About Us
- Locations
- Events
- Careers
- Publications
- How You Can Help
- Contact Us
- Newsroom
- Site Index
- Patient & Cancer Information
- myMDAnderson
- Cancer Information
- Patient Information
- Care Centers & Clinics
- Children’s Cancer Hospital
- Services & Amenities
- Physician Directory
- Education and Research
- Departments, Programs & Labs
- PeopleFinder
- Research at M.D Anderson
- Education & Training
- Resources for Professionals
- For Employees
- Employee Alerts
- Employee Resources
- Doing Business
- Vendors & Suppliers
- Partners & Affiliates

