Kenneth J. Chang, MD

Kenneth J. Chang, M.D., M.A.S.G.E., A.G.A.F., F.A.C.G., F.J.G.E.S., F.A.F.S is the Executive Medical Director of the Hoag Digestive Health Institute. Dr. Chang is a world-renown researcher, inventor, advanced endoscopist and pioneer in the field of interventional endoscopy and endoscopic oncology. He is a board-certified gastroenterologist, who is fellowship trained in gastroenterology and hepatology, and specializes in Interventional Endoscopy, Endoscopic Oncology, Endo-Hepatology, Endo-Bariatrics, and Endoscopic Treatment for GERD and motility disorders. 

Dr. Chang received his combined bachelor’s degree in biology and medical degree at Brown University before completing his internship and residency in general internal medicine at Rhode Island Hospital. He then completed his academic fellowship in gastroenterology and hepatology at the University of California, Irvine. He’s since published over 480 scientific articles, abstracts, book chapters and textbooks, pioneered numerous breakthrough technologies, and trained and mentored over 50 national and international advanced fellows who are now leaders in their respective regions.

Dr. Chang was awarded the Vincent and Anna Kong endowed Chair in GI Endoscopic Oncology in 2013. His clinical and research passion has focused on innovating new endoscopic diagnostic and interventional management and cure of Digestive Cancers as well as the pre-cancerous conditions that lead to tumor growth. He has developed numerous devices that have touched the lives of patients globally, including Endoscopic Radio-frequency Ablation (RFA) for the treatment of Barrett’s Esophagus, which bears the name “Chang Cap” due to his contributions; it is the world’s most popular device for treating and curing Barrett’s.

Dr. Chang is one of few physicians nationally who has expertise in some of the most advanced endoscopic modalities, such as: Per-oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) for Achalasia, Zenker’s per-oral cricopharyngeal myotomy (Z-POEM), Gastric Per-oral Endoscopic Pyloro-myotomy (G-POEM), Trans-oral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF), Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty and Revisions (ESG/TORe), Endo-Hepatology including EUS-Liver Biopsy and EUS-portal pressure gradient measurement (EUS-PPG), Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD).

Throughout his career, Dr. Chang has been recognized with honors and awards as a prominent researcher and pioneer in digestive health. For over 15 consecutive years, he has been named on the Southern California Super Doctors list and recognized as a Physician of Excellence by the Orange County Medical Association. In 2021, he was celebrated as the Orange County Business Journal Innovator of the Year Award Winner.

Dr. Chang is actively involved in national and global organizations including the American College of Physicians, American College of Gastroenterology (Fellow), American Gastroenterological Association (Fellow), American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (Master; awarded Master Endoscopist in 2022), American Foregut Society (Founding Board Member and Fellow; awarded Distinguished Service Award), Natural Orifice Surgery Consortium for Assessment and Research, Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery, American Society of Clinical Oncology, Japan Gastroenterological Society, Bockus International Society of Gastroenterology, Christian Medical Society, Orange County Gastroenterology Society and Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons.