Dr. Justin K. Chang chosen as LVMC Physician of the Year 2024

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Justin K. Chang was named Lompoc Valley Medical Center Physician of the Year for 2024 during a ceremony this week.

Employees cast votes for the physician whom they believe exemplifies the hospital district’s values and maintains the trust of the community, patients and residents. The votes are also directed toward a physician who strives continuously to improve services and who works as a team member with hospital staff.

The award was presented during the annual Medical Staff holiday gathering at the Mission Club on Thursday evening.

Dr. Chang joined the LVMC orthopedic service last fall. He has been the speaker for two Lompoc Hospital District Foundation community lectures this year and assisted Lompoc High School during athletic games. He also volunteered his time at the Savie Health free clinic.

“This award is not just about clinical excellence,” said LVMC Chief Executive Officer Yvette Cope. “This is about recognizing dedication, compassion and exceptional care that makes a real difference in our patients’ lives.”

The Lompoc Valley Community Healthcare Organization, or LVCHO, sponsors the annual award to “recognize and promote high quality treatment services in Lompoc.” LVCHO Executive Director Ashley Costa said Dr. Chang exemplifies the organization’s mission to “ensure equal access to a coordinated system of health promotion, disease prevention and high-quality treatment services.”

Dr. Chang said he and his family “absolutely love Lompoc. We’ve made it our home. We want to be here for the rest of our lives.”

He said he has enjoyed working with everyone and was appreciative of the warm welcome he has received from colleagues.

After the event, Dr. Chang remarked that he would “like to thank all of the staff for being so friendly and amazing to work with. Most of all I would like to thank my loving wife Josie for helping me with everything outside of the hospital, including raising our three young children. Without her I could not possibly have the opportunity to work so hard on providing the best patient care possible. “

As part of the ceremony, a scroll of comments from the LVMC employee nominations was unveiled. Many of the comments noted Dr. Chang’s positivity, helpfulness, bedside manner and caring nature.

“Dr. Chang consistently demonstrates exceptional kindness and patience, not only with his patients but also with his entire staff,” one nomination form noted. “He is highly regarded for his bedside manner, extensive medical knowledge and clear, compassionate communication. Patients frequently rave about how he makes them feel heard and valued, taking the time to explain their care in a way that is both comforting and informative. Dr. Chang’s dedication to his practice and to the well-being of those he serves makes him a truly deserving candidate for this award.”

Other nominations cited his polite and courteous nature, his compassion toward patients, and that he is “an asset to the community.”

“Dr. Chang is not only a physician who takes pride in his work and patient care, he also assures all those around him feel cared for, supported and heard,” one nomination stated. “He is a trustworthy physician and a friend to all.”

Dr. Chang earned his undergraduate degree in microbiology and cell science, with a business administration minor. He also earned a Master of Biomedical Science from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston and his Doctor of Medicine from Tufts. He and his wife, Josephine, have three children.

Previous Physicians of the Year include Dr. James Trettin, 2023; Dr. William Pierce, 2022; Dr. Khawar Gul, 2021; Dr. Rahim Raoufi, 2020; Dr. Cedric Kwon, 2019; Dr. Rollin Bailey, 2018; Dr. Tomas Machin, 2017; Dr. Cindy Blifeld, 2016 and Dr. Randall Michel, 2015.