Improving Access Through Outreach Clinics
Michael Chang, MD PhD FAAOS
Spine Surgery
Wichita Clinic
316-613-4640
East Wichita — 1947 Founders’ Circle
West Wichita — 13213 W 21st St N
Newton — 720 Medical Center Dr
Pratt — 200 Commodore
Dodge City — 2300 N 14th Ave, Ste 104
Dr. Michael Chang is a spine surgeon who sees patients in West Wichita, East Wichita, Newton, Pratt and Dodge City. The decision to practice medicine at so many locations was an easy choice to make.
“Many of my patients are experiencing considerable pain, and they genuinely appreciate having options that reduce their travel time,” explains Dr. Chang, who considers outreach a very fulfilling part of his job.
Specializing in adult degenerative conditions involving the neck and low back, Dr. Chang uses both non-surgical and surgical techniques to treat spine conditions. “Patients are always relieved to learn that there are many effective treatments that can help restore function and reduce pain without surgery,” Dr. Chang points out. “When surgery does become necessary, however, I will involve the patient to select the most suitable surgical approach after considering all possible options, including minimally invasive techniques.”
While he is fluent in three languages — English, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese — Dr. Chang feels that an important part of his exam is using his listening skills.
“It is important to listen to the patients,” he states. “Correctly diagnosing the cause of their pain is crucial to successful treatment. In order to make the correct diagnosis, it’s important to be attentive to their descriptions of when and where their pain started and how it has progressed.”
He also says that specializing in orthopaedic surgery was the right fit for him because the complexity of the surgery is very challenging and the outcomes are extremely rewarding. Surgical intervention can dramatically improve patients’ quality of life, and he can make a significant difference in their lives.
A clinical assistant professor at the University of Kansas Medical Center — Wichita, Dr. Chang is dedicated to helping train the next generation of physicians. “Training and knowledge are certainly the foundation of a successful practice, but you can’t overstate the importance of teamwork,” he emphasizes. “I have the good fortune of working with a team of professionals who share my vision to provide effective and efficient health care.”
Dr. Chang received his medical degree and completed his Orthopaedic Surgery Residency at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. After finishing his residency, Dr. Chang completed a Spine Surgery Fellowship at the University of California in San Diego. He is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and has practiced at Wichita Clinic since 2007. He was also recently recognized as a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Born in Taiwan, raised in Costa Rica and educated in the United States, Dr. Chang could have established his medical practice in a variety of locations but chose to settle down in the Midwest.
“Wichita Clinic has been an ideal fit for me,” he explains. “I wanted to be part of a multi-specialty group where the collaboration amongst the various specialties allows optimal health care delivery, and I wanted to focus 100 percent of my attention on my spine practice. In addition, I’ve found that Wichita has a lot of advantages over larger cities. It’s a family-friendly community with some wonderful amenities.”
Dr. Chang and his family have been such vocal ambassadors for the community that they were featured in a video produced by the Metro Chamber of Commerce a few years ago.
“We enjoyed the experience of participating in the video and having the opportunity to talk about how we’ve found a great balance between work and family life in Wichita. The short commute time makes it easy to transition between work and home,” he remarks.
For more information about Dr. Chang, you may visit
www.wichitaclinic.com or call 316-613-4640 for an appointment.