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Edward F. Chang

MD

Chair, Department of Neurological Surgery
Neurosurgeon

Dr. Edward Chang is a neurosurgeon who treats adults with difficult-to-control epilepsy, brain tumors, trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm and movement disorders. He specializes in advanced brain mapping methods to preserve crucial areas for speech and motor functions in the brain. He also has extensive experience with implantable devices that stimulate specific nerves to relieve seizure, movement, pain and other disorders. He is the chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery.

Chang's research focuses on the brain mechanisms for speech, movement and learning. He co-directs the Center for Neural Engineering and Prostheses, a collaborative enterprise of UCSF and the University of California, Berkeley. The center brings together experts in engineering, neurology and neurosurgery to develop state-of-the-art biomedical technology to restore function for patients with neurological disabilities such as paralysis and speech disorders.

Chang earned his medical degree at UCSF, where he also completed a residency in neurosurgery. He was honored with the Blavatnik National Laureate for Life Sciences in 2015. In 2020, he was elected to the National Academy of Medicine, an honor that recognizes outstanding achievements and service in the fields of medical sciences, health care and public health. 

  • Education

    UCSF School of Medicine, 2004

  • Residencies

    UCSF Medical Center, Neurosurgery, 2010

  • Board Certifications

    Neurological Surgery, American Board of Neurological Surgery

  • Academic Title

    Professor

"What's exciting at UCSF is learning in a way that takes care of patients."

Where I see patients (5)

    My reviews

    4.9

    Overall Experience
    152 Ratings
    About our process
    Aug 08, 2023
    The doctor explained everything to me and things that I didn't know he explain to me very nice and I just can't wait for it to be done or my daughters procedure
    Aug 02, 2023
    I had just woken up. I was explaining the different pain it took me through over the past 12 years. Today this pain is undecriable. He listened but I don't think his team understood me
    Aug 01, 2023
    Visit summary has some jargon I don't find helpful that is pretty common shorthand in medical encounters but actually may obscure communication. Doctor wrote that I "denied" facial spasm which to him may have meant " he says he doesn't have a facial spasm" or "he doesn't know he has a facial spasm." I am aware that my facial neuromuscular function is impeded but mechanical dysfunction is at least a contributor. Also the doctor tends to stare at patients and I have aforementioned eye strain so that is also likely to evoke a response that may be reported as "spasm." Anyway as a patient (healthcare consumer) I have to exercise judgement about the medical usefulness if his use of the term "spasm.". But mostly the doctor was a.very thoughtful intelligent fellow. He just seemed to think that clarifying (testing) my expressions was important but clarifying that of his practice maybe not so much. Overall I think the encounter was useful.
    Jul 20, 2023
    I am always impressed with the efficiency and kindness of all staff when I visit UCSF. It is a true pleasure to go there for medical needs.
    May 21, 2023
    Dr. Chang and his associate were amazing! They listened they asked questions they discussed the possibilities of what might be causing my symptoms in a manner that I understood. Dr. Chang is the most "caring" physician I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
    May 07, 2023
    All excellent!
    Mar 14, 2023
    Excellent visit. Would highly recommend. Very knowledgeable.
    Feb 23, 2023
    I've been struggling for 18 months and just to hear the doctor say yes if a surgery is decided on we in fact do them once a week was a relief. For a very long time I thought the tumor was somehow not possible to be removed.
    Jan 31, 2023
    Dr. Chang and his team are top notch for sure!
    Dec 23, 2022
    I recognize Dr. Edward Chang to be an exceptional neurosurgeon and feel lucky and grateful to be under his care for a pending surgery.
    Oct 21, 2022
    We were allowed to include my daughter through her phone in the meeting and felt everyone's questions were answered.
    Oct 18, 2022
    I don't get the data from this new rns implant.
    Oct 11, 2022
    Dr Chang is extremely amazing Dr a person He is the best
    Sep 24, 2022
    Brain surgery might need to come with a handout about what to expect to see in the recovery process.
    Sep 20, 2022
    It was easy and informative. I did not feel rushed.Dr Chang gave us plenty of time to ask questions Very satisfied.
    Sep 14, 2022
    Dr. Edward Chang is always patient attentive and helpful.
    Aug 23, 2022
    Dr. Edward Chang is absolutely amazing as well as his entire team. Would definitely recommend him.
    Jul 29, 2022
    The appointment went very well and cleared up a lot of questions that I had about my medical decisions.
    Jul 14, 2022
    Very Good Understandable
    Jun 02, 2022
    The most kind and respectful physician and staff we have encountered at any hospital
    Apr 26, 2022
    Excellent communication between my team and me.
    Apr 08, 2022
    Dr. Chang was wonderful he really spent time with me to address all my concerns and I am so happy I waited to have him be the surgeon for me.
    Decorative Caduceus

    Model-based Electrical Brain Stimulation

    A personalized decoder is trained for each patient using the recorded neural activity and self-reports. Then this decoder is used to estimate the biomarker purely from neural activity; that is, based on neural activity, it will re...

    Recruiting

    My work

    AI helps woman with paralysis to speak again

    Dr. Chang and other UCSF researchers are developing technology that allows patients like Ann to use brain signals to communicate through an avatar.

    Tailor-made surgery for seizures

    Uncontrolled seizures upended Vanessa's life and disrupted her acting career. Dr. Chang used a minimally invasive technique to target the area of her brain causing the problem.

    Researchers discover which brain area controls vocal pitch

    Dr. Chang's lab identified the part of the brain that allows us to regulate the pitch of our voices. This discovery could eventually help patients who struggle with speech.

    Minimally invasive surgery for epilepsy

    When does surgery make sense for epilepsy? Dr. Chang explains the options for patients experiencing uncontrolled seizures.

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