Michael S. Chang, MD, a complex spine surgeon, is the fellowship director at Phoenix-based Sonoran Spine Center. He is also an assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at University of Arizona in Tucson. He is a member of the Scoliosis Research Society, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and North American Spine Society.
Dr. Chang focuses on all diseases and disorders of the adult and pediatric spine, such as deformity as well as cervical spine disorders. He is also trained in minimally invasive surgery techniques. He has had his work published in prestigious peer-reviewed journals, such as Spine, Journal of Spinal Disorders and Techniques and Journal of Neurosurgery.
Dr. Chang is actively involved in humanitarian work and in 2012, he trained Chinese spine surgeons in deformity and established a medical mission to serve underprivileged children with severe spinal deformities in China.
"What draws me to spinal deformity surgery is not only the complexity and diversity of problems encountered, but the dramatic difference it can make in patients' lives," says Dr. Chang. "Nothing is as satisfying as the moment when a patient stands up straight a few days after a reconstructive procedure after being unable to do so for months or years."
Dr. Chang earned his medical degree at Harvard Medical School in Boston. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City. Additionally, he has completed a spine fellowship under Keith Bridwell, MD, Timothy Kuklo, MD, Lawrence Lenke, MD, and K. Daniel Riew, MD, at Washington University in St. Louis.
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