Bye bye baby for Mater doctor after 25 years

After more than 25 years of helping women bring their babies into the world, Townsville
obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Ron Chang is looking forward to an uninterrupted night’s
sleep.

Dr Chang has helped deliver thousands of North Queensland babies since starting his practice
at Mater Mothers’ Private Hospital Townsville in 1995.

“You need great passion and drive to be an obstetrician. However, it’s incredibly rewarding as
a career,” Dr Chang said.

“My favourite moment of any birth is placing the baby on the mother’s chest and seeing the
look on the parents’ faces, especially if they have had a difficult pregnancy or trouble
conceiving.

“I can’t pick out one favourite moment of my career – there are too many. Each birth is
unique and special and the most important day in that family’s life. It’s a privilege just to be
there.”

After completing his medical training in Queensland, Dr Chang went on to specialise in
Obstetrics and Gynaecology and worked in the United Kingdom before returning to Townsville
in 1994.
 

“I’ve seen maternity care evolve so much during my time practicing, from the improvements
in ultrasound technology to the ability now to check the baby’s chromosomes by simply doing
a blood test on the mother.”

While Dr Chang will no longer be woken through the night to attend births, he will continue to
practice as a gynaecologist at Mater Private Hospital Townsville, offering support to women
with a range of different conditions and performing laparoscopy surgeries.

He is also looking forward to pursuing his other interests such as cooking, woodwork and caring
for his bonsai collection.