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Chang Retires Post as Founding VP
of International Programs
Pioneer in pain medicine and palliative care has enjoyed international career,
serving as advocate for global collaborations
Hui-Ming Chang, M.D., M.P.H.
Hui-Ming Chang, M.D., M.P.H., founding Vice President of the Office of International Programs at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, retires at the end of May after more than 15 years of service at the university and seven years at the Office of International Programs.
A board certified physician in pain medicine and anesthesiology, Chang’s own career has been an international one. Born in Taipei, Taiwan, she received her medical degree from National Taiwan University before moving to Boston, where she earned her master of public health in epidemiology and master of science in physiology from Harvard School of Public Health. After residency and fellowship at Boston University Medical Center and The Children’s Hospital, she joined the faculty of the department of anesthesia at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, in 1989.
Recruited by UT Health Science Center President James T. Willerson, M.D., in 1993, Chang pioneered courses in pain management and end-of-life care for medical students and health care professionals.
A recipient of Fleming and Davenport Awards, she has been a tireless advocate for education in pain medicine and management of patients with pain during her tenure as a member of the Board of Directors for The American Academy of Pain Medicine. She also served on the nine-member task force to develop clinical practice guidelines on cancer pain management for the American Society of Anesthesiologists.
During the course of her career, Chang employed her cross-cultural experience to enhance the dialogue between international visitors and health science center faculty and students. In 2001, she suggested to President Willerson the need for an Office of International Programs to facilitate and organize international activities at the university. Thus, the Office of International Programs was created as President Willerson appointed Chang to the post of Associate Vice President for International Programs and Special Advisor to the President. In 2006, as the scope of her responsibilities broadened, she was promoted to Vice President of International Programs.
During the course of her career, Chang employed her cross-cultural experience to enhance the dialogue between international visitors and health science center faculty and students. In 2001, she suggested to President Willerson the need for an Office of International Programs to facilitate and organize international activities at the university. Thus, the Office of International Programs was created as President Willerson appointed Chang to the post of Associate Vice President for International Programs and Special Advisor to the President. In 2006, as the scope of her responsibilities broadened, she was promoted to Vice President of International Programs.
For example, sixteen international students applied to our summer research program this year, a significant increase from the two to five students in the previous years. Chang initiated a Web site on the international programs to highlight the international activities and agreements to health science center faculty, students and the international community.
With a generous donation from a benefactor, Chang established the International Programs Award in 2005 to encourage academic projects that promote exchanges of health sciences on a global perspective. During the past three years, 25 faculty and students were awarded with projects covering five continents and all aspects of the university mission. In 2006, Chang served on the UT System Global Initiative Task Force and was appointed to UT System Global Initiatives Advisory Group in 2007.
“Serving as a vice president at the most comprehensive health science center in the state of Texas fulfills an American dream more than I have ever imagined,” said Chang. “This dream was made possible with the support of many people at our university and several mentors at different stages of my career. It is a labor of love because I can contribute my experience and professional knowledge to advance international cooperation that benefited our faculty, students, and community.”
She said she feels that the Office of International Programs is well positioned to continue to excel in its mission. To ensure that the international programs continue to flourish, Chang nominated and President Willerson has appointed Bryant Boutwell, Dr.P.H., the John P. McGovern, M.D., Professor in Oslerian Medicine, as her successor (See related story below).
“Dr. Ming Chang has done an absolutely outstanding job of creating new international programs and opportunities for all six schools in education, research and service,” President Willerson said. “We are very grateful to Dr. Chang for all she has done for The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.”
Chang plans to devote more time to care for aging parents and to consult for medical and international corporations.