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In the world of sports medicine, Cindy Chang, M.D., stands out not only for her impressive list of "firsts" but also for her trailblazing journey as a woman and a daughter of Chinese immigrants in a field once dominated by men.
Her story, marked by perseverance and dedication, began in 1993 when she was overlooked for job opportunities in favor of her male colleagues, despite her qualifications and completion of a fellowship at a major midwestern university.
Chang recounted on the UC San Francisco’s sports medicine podcast:
“There were openings at the University of Florida, but my director only told my male colleagues. Most coaches had never seen a female physician, much less a female team physician — or an Asian sports medicine physician. They were looking for a man.”
Despite these obstacles, Chang's career flourished, leading her to become a professor emeritus at UC San Francisco with joint appointments in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Department of Family and Community Medicine.
Her notable achievements include serving as the first female chief medical officer for the U.S. Olympic team and the National Women’s Soccer League, as well as being the first female head team physician for an NCAA Division I football team.
Beyond her roles, Chang has made significant contributions as a past president of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine and as a board member of the American College of Sports Medicine.
Beyond breaking personal barriers, Chang has dedicated her career to mentoring the next generation of sports medicine professionals, emphasizing the importance of diversity in the field.
She founded the UCSF Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship, guiding fellows like Ginger Cupit, DO, through intense real-world experiences, including establishing COVID-19 protocols for WNBA players during the pandemic.
“There are people who thrive under stress, and she’s definitely one of them.”
Chang's influence extends to other mentees like Marci Goolsby, M.D., who observed Chang early in her own career and now holds prominent positions in sports medicine.
“It was so impressive to me how she connected with patients and made them feel heard. Her work was impactful, and I thought, ‘This is who I want to be.’”
Chang's legacy also includes the establishment of the UCSF Women’s Sports Medicine Center, a pioneering clinic focused on the care of female athletes.
Her career, driven by a mix of luck, hard work, authenticity, and passion, serves as an inspiring example of achieving success by doing what's right.
“People ask me about my life, and they think it has been really charmed. But I will say it has really been a little bit of luck and a whole lot of hard work, authenticity and passion — and always doing what’s right. When you do things the right way and for the right reasons, it will all fall into place.”
Chang's journey from facing early career discrimination to becoming a respected leader in sports medicine showcases her resilience and commitment to improving the field for future generations.
