Dr. Frank Chang: Denver ’s Channel 7 Everyday Hero
from Practice Update, Spring 2006
Dr. Frank Chang shows off
his "7 Everyday Hero" award
with patients Darian Drake,
left, and Mikayla Martin.
Dr. Chang shows off his “7 Everyday Hero” award with patients Darian Drake, left, and Mikayla Martin.
Each week, Denver ’s Channel 7 salutes Coloradans who are making a difference in their community. Frank Chang, MD, director of orthopedic surgery and medical director of the Center for Gait and Movement Analysis, was recently named one of Denver ’s Channel 7 Everyday Hero.
Dr. Chang, who pioneered the gait lab with Dennis Matthews, MD, in 1999, works in the lab conducting research and discovering the best treatments for children with physical disabilities. But he also goes beyond the scope of his job to make a difference in the personal lives of children.
On the weekends, Dr. Chang volunteers his time on the slopes as the Medical Director for the ski program, part of The Children’s Hospital’s Handicapped Sports Program.
For 23 years, Dr. Chang has provided children in the program with guidance related to orthopedic issues, treatment or tenderloving care in the event of injuries, and encouragement on the mountain. He videotapes the children to monitor their skiing progress and to capture memories so the children can enjoy them on the ski bus each weekend on the road to the mountain.
All patients who participate in the program have some form of a physical disability, including cancer, amputations, spina bifida and cerebral palsy.
“It is a huge accomplishment for the children and a great experience,” Dr. Chang said. “The children feel good about themselves, and it carries over into their personal, everyday lives.”
Currently, an average of 75 children from the program ski regularly at Winter Park Resort. Every Saturday for 10 weekends in the winter, Dr. Chang and his wife volunteer to be with the children.
“It’s fun for me to be with the kids and watch them have fun,” he said. “They really benefit by achieving a greater sense of self-esteem and confidence.”
“I just work day-to-day like everyone else in this hospital,” he said. “I am here just like all the other doctors and staff at Children’s, trying to make a difference in children’s lives.”
