After growing up in Hong Kong and spending considerable time in places such as California, Washington, D.C., and Delaware, Dr. Christopher Chang made South Florida his home and will begin a new chapter on January 31st as president of the Broward County Medical Association (BCMA).
Dr. Chang completed his undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies in chemistry at Georgetown University before pursuing pediatric residency training at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. While his early academic interests were rooted in chemistry, his clinical path came into focus after an encounter with an immunologist at the University of California, Davis, who encouraged him to pursue fellowship training in allergy and immunology.
Dr. Chang completed his fellowship at UC Davis, remained on faculty, and opened a solo practice in Crescent City, California, where he spent nearly two decades balancing academic medicine and private practice. As reimbursement pressures increased and regulatory demands intensified, he began exploring new professional opportunities that eventually led him across the country, and ultimately to Florida.
Nearly eight years ago, Dr. Chang joined Memorial Healthcare System to help rebuild its allergy and immunology division. What began as a pediatric service expanded to include adult care, pediatric rheumatology, and ongoing recruitment to further strengthen the division. Today, he serves as Chief of the Division of Immunology, Allergy, and Pediatric Rheumatology at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and Memorial Healthcare System, roles he describes as both challenging and deeply rewarding.
In addition to his clinical leadership, Dr. Chang has devoted more than 30 years to medical education. At Memorial, he launched the Transitional Year Residency Program in 2022 and the Allergy/Immunology Fellowship Program the following year. As Medical Director of Pediatric Research at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, he has mentored countless medical students, residents, and fellows. “Working with new generations of physicians is inspiring,” he said. “They bring energy, curiosity, and a genuine passion for medicine.”
Dr. Chang’s involvement with the BCMA began with the encouragement of colleagues who recognized his leadership potential. Through participation in the Physicians Leadership Academy and service on multiple committees, he developed a deep appreciation for the role organized medicine plays in supporting physicians. His path eventually led to his election as president.
Founded more than a century ago, the BCMA exists to unite physicians, advocate for policies that protect patient care, and safeguard the integrity of the physician-patient relationship. As the association approaches its 100th anniversary in 2026, Dr. Chang views this milestone not simply as a celebration of the past, but as a defining moment to shape the future.
“Medicine has changed dramatically over the last few decades,” he noted. “Physicians are practicing in different models, facing new technologies, and entering the profession with different expectations. Our association must evolve alongside them.”
As president, Dr. Chang has identified three core goals for his 2026-2027 term, each rooted in long-term sustainability and physician leadership:
First, to actively engage residents, fellows, and early-career physicians. Dr. Chang believes that introducing physicians to organized medicine early fosters lifelong engagement and leadership. By listening to their priorities and supporting their professional development, the BCMA can ensure the next generation has both a voice and a seat at the table.
Second, to thoughtfully embrace innovation in healthcare. From artificial intelligence to evolving educational models, Dr. Chang emphasizes that physicians must help guide how new technologies are implemented, ensuring innovation enhances care rather than undermines clinical judgment or patient trust.
Third, to strengthen advocacy on issues that threaten the physician-patient relationship. This includes addressing the misuse of AI in coverage determinations, inappropriate expansions of scope of practice, and legislative efforts, such as wrongful death bills, which could have far-reaching consequences for physicians and patient access to care. Under his leadership, the BCMA will continue to be a strong, unified voice for physicians in Broward County.
At its core, Dr. Chang says, the BCMA stands for unity, advocacy, and purpose. “The BCMA brings physicians together around a shared mission, supporting one another while advocating for our patients. We come from different backgrounds and practice in different settings, but our goal is the same: quality, compassionate patient care.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Chang hopes his presidency will be remembered not only for honoring the association’s rich history, but for positioning it to thrive in its next century. “If we engage the next generation, lead innovation responsibly, and advocate fiercely for our profession and our patients,” he said, “the BCMA will remain strong, relevant, and indispensable for decades to come.”
For more information, call (954) 714-9477 or visit www.bcma.com.
