Frederic Chang M.D.

1935 - 2026

Frederic Chang, MD

June 22, 1935 - January 16, 2026

Wichita, Kansas - Frederic Chungwa Chang, MD, 90, died peacefully with his family at his bedside on Saturday, January 16, 2026. Born in Canton, China, on June 22, 1935, he was the eldest of three children of Frederic and May Chang. He graduated from Dartmouth College, Dartmouth Medical School, and Harvard Medical School, and completed his internship and residency at the University of Utah College of Medicine. From 1965 to 1968, he served as chief of surgery for the 30th Field Hospital of the U.S. Army in Augsburg, Germany.

In 1975, Dr. Chang moved to Wichita to join Wichita Surgical Specialists and help establish the Wichita campus of the University of Kansas School of Medicine. For 22 years, he practiced as a respected general surgeon, caring for thousands of patients. At the same time, he served on the founding faculty of KU–Wichita, helping to develop the curriculum and mentor generations of medical students and surgical residents. He retired from surgery in 1997 but remained deeply committed to teaching and advancing healthcare in Wichita.

Over more than three decades, Dr. Chang educated and mentored more than 1,000 medical students and 100 surgical residents. He served as Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Associate Dean of Graduate Medical Education, and Interim Dean at KU–Wichita. Nationally, he was a Fellow and former president of the American College of Surgeons, a founding member of the American Trauma Society, and president of the Western Trauma Association. Those who worked and trained with him remember him not only for his expertise, but for his generosity of spirit, wisdom, and commitment to excellence.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Chang was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who treasured time with his family. A natural athlete, he loved skiing, tennis, and golf, and approached every game-whether bridge, craps, or a friendly competition with his grandchildren-with energy, skill, and good humor. He and his wife Jan traveled the world together, and he was an avid reader and lifelong learner who loved sharing ideas and stories. He cared deeply about his community, volunteering with the Wichita Free Clinic, Operation School Bell, and other medical advocacy and outreach organizations. He delighted in family traditions-from Thanksgiving gatherings to July 4th parades to the annual Chinese New Year celebration-and had a special gift for making everyone feel welcome and valued. Above all, his greatest joy was his family, and his warmth, wit, and generosity left a lasting mark on all who knew him.

Dr. Chang is preceded in death by his parents, Frederic and May Chang; wife, Jan Chang; and son, Dr. Douglas Chang. He is survived by his sister, Kara Chang of Ventura, CA; son, Jay Chang of Wichita; daughters, JoAnn Chang (Galen) Mackenzie of Lafayette, CO, Dr. Linda Chang of Anchorage, AK, Dr. Karin Chang of Leawood, KS; daughter-in-law, Dr. Anita Chang; grandchildren, Jackie, Christopher, Samantha, Michaela, and Emily.

A celebration of life for Dr. Chang will take place on Sunday, March 8, 2026 from 11 am to 2 pm at Crestview Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with the KU Endowment in support of the Dr. Frederic and Janet Chang Endowed Scholarship, P.O. Box 928, Lawrence, KS 66044, www.kuendowment.org/givenow.

Arrangements in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. All are welcome to post memories and final words to his family at www.dlwichita.com