After 20 Years, Dr. James Chang to Step Down as Chief of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Dr. James Chang, the Johnson & Johnson Professor of Surgery, announced that he will be stepping down as Chief of the Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Stanford University after over 20 years in the role. A national search has been opened to identify his successor [Job Posting].

Dr. Chang has decided to conclude his tenure as Chief in order to concentrate on his interests in global reconstructive surgery and his clinical work in microvascular hand surgery. He will also serve as Vice-Chair of Strategy and Development for the Department of Surgery.

Reflecting on the change, Dr. Chang shares: “After 20 years, it is time for me to evolve. I wanted to pass on leadership of Stanford Plastic Surgery at a high point. Our program is well-positioned for continued greatness. I am proud of the work we have done as a group over the past 20 years and look forward to supporting the program for many years to come. I plan to keep operating, teaching, and serving the Department of Surgery in any way I can.”

Dr. Chang was appointed Division Chief in May 2006. During his tenure as chief, the Division dramatically expanded its faculty, clinical programs, and research activity. The Division grew from 5 faculty to 25, and the residency and fellowship programs also increased in tremendous size and scope. The Division strengthened its national and international reputation in all areas of plastic & reconstructive surgery to become one of the premier programs in the world.

In addition to his roles at Stanford, Dr. Chang is the Consulting Medical Officer for ReSurge International, a non-profit organization that trains surgeons in developing countries. He served as President of American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) from September 2017 to September 2018 and will be President of American Association of Plastic Surgeons (AAPS) from 2027-2028.

He will officially transition out of the chief role in September 2026. Exciting new details regarding the leadership transition and future announcements will be shared as they become available.