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

Conditions I specialize in

Treatments I provide

Where I see patients (5)

    My reviews

    4.9

    Overall Experience
    148 Ratings
    About our process
    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.
    Jan 04, 2022
    This provider Very informative and and cared about my situation
    Dec 21, 2021
    Dr Chang and Mariann Ward were nothing but patient. They never made me feel rushed on the visits and they patiently answered all of my questions (I had a lot!). I felt extremely supported from the start until the end of the process of my surgery.
    Dec 08, 2021
    Dr. Chang is a truly gifted surgeon and overall healthcare provider. He is a "specialist" within the HMO world of my insurance and ergo not someone I can see regularly. This particular appt you are asking of was initiatated thru Dr. Chang's office as he simply wanted to check-in and check-up on my status. Dr. Chang cares and he moves me forward each and every time I see him.
    Dec 05, 2021
    Dr. Chang was thorough and understood the expediency of the situation. He dedication is providing me with the best chance at a healthy life.
    Nov 21, 2021
    Answered all questions and also discussed risks-I appreciated the honesty.
    Oct 04, 2021
    Care was exceptional. Time to wait for the appt can be improved upon.

    Selected research

    See all research
    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

    A life-changing breakthrough

    New technology conceived by Dr. Chang sent the words of a man who is paralyzed and unable to speak from his brain to text on a screen.

    Find out more

    Tailor-made brain surgery

    Dr. Edward Chang diagnosed the cause of Vanessa Ross' seizures and customized her brain surgery to be minimally invasive.

    How the brain helps you sing or say what you mean

    Read on NPR

    Our calling

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

    Minimally invasive epilepsy surgery at UCSF

    Dr. Chang discusses when to consider surgical treatment for epilepsy and the options we offer.

    Contact me

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