A 2018 study showed that while only 15% of board-certified plastics surgeons were women, a whopping 92% of all cosmetic surgical procedures were performed on female patients. While this proves a staggering gender gap, it highlights the reality that plastic surgery remains a male-dominated profession. Dr. Catherine Chang is a renowned plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, CA, and exemplifies making a name for yourself as a woman in a male-dominated industry.
Born in New York and a graduate of four ivy league institutions, Dr. Catherine Chang is known for her empathetic yet focused approach. “I understand that my patients are trusting me with their self-image, confidence, and well-being, and I am cautious with that,” states Dr. Chang. “It’s an honor and a responsibility I don’t take lightly.”
Internally motivated and a hard worker by nature, Dr. Chang stepped foot into a male-dominated industry comfortable with the fact that she might be the minority, but that doesn’t make her any less capable of change. “Hard work speaks for itself. It doesn’t matter your gender,” explains Dr. Chang. “Results matter, and patients are going to trust you if your work delivers. That’s the bottom line.”
Letting her work speak for itself has been Dr. Chang’s competitive edge for several years. “It doesn’t matter the industry. There is no place for discrimination of any kind, let alone on gender,” states Dr. Chang. “We all deserve a seat at the table and the chance to let our talents rise to the top of the industry of our choosing.” Unafraid to set up, Dr. Chang has never backed down from a challenge or stepped aside when work has to be done.“ “Because a female face is such a rarity in this setting, I embrace it as a way to welcome others and introduce a new approach they may not be used to,” states Dr. Chang. “I am not about to let it hold me back.” Breaking glass ceilings and pushing boundaries, Dr. Catherine Chang is a trailblazer and role model for women in plastic surgery and beyond.
