Gerald Chang, MD

What is your hometown?

• I was born in Los Angeles, California, but my true hometown is Miami, Florida, where I was raised.

Where did you attend medical school?

• I attended the Nova Southeastern University College of Allopathic Medicine (M.D.) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

What other educational credentials do you have?

• I have a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Miami, directly after which I began medical school.

What are your particular clinical interests and why?

• I am highly interested in the integration of preventative medicine into primary care, with a particular passion for longitudinal care. I also would like to involve lifestyle medicine principles and practices into my clinical setting, in order to care for patients in a more holistic perspective.

What inspired you to pursue a career in family medicine?

• I decided to follow a career in medicine, and particularly Family Medicine, so that I could give back to the community and those that need care the most. I cannot think of a better field that blends evidence-based practice and medical care with community advocacy. Family Medicine is also a highly versatile specialty that allows you maintain long-term continuity with a wide variety of patient populations, from pediatric to geriatric to adult.

Why did you choose the Community Based Family Medicine Residency program?

• I chose TIGMER’s Community Based Family Medicine Residency Program due to its strong commitment to serving its community, as well as having strong foundations in the area of San Antonio through its partnership with institutions like CommuniCare and the local VA. Its variety of rotation experiences spread across the city allows me to gain further expertise in fields such as Behavioral Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine, Functional Medicine, and Orthopedics, which will allow me to further tailor and hone my skills for future practice. The predominant Hispanic and Spanish-speaking patient population also allows me to utilize my own background as a Cuban-American, as well as my bilingual ability, to be able to connect further with patients and improve their opportunities of receiving equitable healthcare.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of medicine?

• When I am not in the clinic or the hospital, you can find me at your local coffee shop or restaurant, as I love trying out different cuisines and spots to eat wherever I am. On the more active side, I love kayaking, hiking, and going on nature walks. On the more artistic side, I play the trombone, which I have played since middle school band, and I love attending music festivals. I also like going to the movie theater to watch new movies that interest me, as well as catching up with old friends over watching a TV show or playing video games together. When I have enough time, I also enjoy going on road trips or traveling to new places, and I am continually working on my goal to travel to all 50 states.

Gerald Chang, MD