Dr. Ming-Chen Chang, MD is an Oncology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive oncological care for older adults at his clinic in Fort Walton Beach, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a general oncologist, Dr. Chang provides expert medical care for older adults (65+) facing cancer diagnoses, including common cancers like breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, lymphoma, and leukemia. He works collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to manage complex conditions and create a personalized treatment plan, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
Dr. Chang's extensive experience in oncology stems from his comprehensive training. He earned his medical degree from National Taiwan University College of Medicine, followed by residency training in Internal Medicine at Sinai Hospital - Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, MD, and further specialization in Pathology at Downstate Medical Center, State University of New York. He completed a fellowship in Hematology-Oncology at the University of Maryland, and later opened Emerald Coast Cancer Center in 1986. Dr. Chang is board-certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and in Medical Oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is committed to providing the highest standard of patient-centric care, working closely with patients and their families to achieve maximum healing and wellness.
Dr. Ming-Chen Chang is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (850) 863-3148 to schedule an appointment. He offers consultations in Mandarin.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Ming-Chen Chang is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Chang is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive oncological care tailored to their unique needs. He expertly manages common cancers, collaborating closely with primary care physicians and specialists to create personalized treatment plans. His approach prioritizes the well-being of each patient, considering their individual circumstances and goals to ensure the most effective and comfortable care possible.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Ming-Chen Chang can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Ming-Chen Chang provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Testicular Cancer: While less common in seniors, testicular cancer is treatable, and focusing on early detection through regular checkups with your doctor can help ensure the best possible outcomes.
- Thyroid Cancer: Thyroid cancer often develops slowly and may not cause noticeable symptoms initially, making regular checkups crucial for early detection and successful treatment, enabling you to live life to the fullest.
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that develops quickly and needs urgent treatment, often involving chemotherapy, to improve your health and extend your life.
- Skin Cancer: While skin cancer can be concerning, modern treatments are effective in many cases, improving quality of life and minimizing disruption to daily routines for older adults.
- Esophageal Cancer: If you've been diagnosed with esophageal cancer, know that various treatments such as surgery, targeted therapy, or chemotherapy are available to reduce the size of the tumor, alleviate symptoms like difficulty swallowing, and help you live as comfortably as possible.
- Gallbladder and Biliary Tract Cancer: If a senior is diagnosed with gallbladder or bile duct cancer, a team of specialists works to provide the best treatment options to ease discomfort, manage symptoms, and preserve their independence for as long as possible.
- Mantle Cell Lymphoma: Mantle cell lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system's white blood cells; treatments, which may include chemotherapy or targeted therapies, aim to control the disease and minimize symptoms.
- Ovarian Cancer: Ovarian cancer is a disease where abnormal cells grow in the ovaries, and while it can be challenging, modern treatments aim to control the cancer and help older adults maintain their quality of life.
- Melanoma: Melanoma develops in the skin's pigment cells and while it can be concerning, advancements in treatment mean many seniors live long and full lives after diagnosis.
- Vulvar Cancer: Treatment for vulvar cancer varies based on the individual's needs and the stage of the cancer, but aims to remove the cancerous tissue and potentially reduce symptoms to allow for better mobility and comfort, helping seniors maintain their independence.
- Pancreatic Cancer: For older adults, pancreatic cancer treatment often prioritizes managing discomfort and preserving their quality of life, with doctors working closely with patients and families to create a care plan that meets individual needs and goals.
- Malignant Neoplasm of Head: A malignant neoplasm in the head is a serious but treatable condition. Treatment options focus on removing or controlling the cancer while minimizing disruption to your daily life and supporting your overall comfort and independence.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Ming-Chen Chang offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Bone Marrow Aspiration: As part of a comprehensive cancer evaluation in older adults, a bone marrow aspiration provides valuable insights into the overall health of the blood system, informing treatment strategies.
- Bone Marrow Biopsy: As part of your overall cancer care, a bone marrow biopsy provides valuable information about the health of your blood-forming tissues, informing decisions about treatment and ongoing monitoring.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy can be incorporated into a senior's treatment plan to relieve symptoms and improve their comfort, particularly in managing advanced cancers.
- Plasmapheresis: This blood-filtering procedure may be recommended to address certain complications or side effects related to blood cancers or your cancer treatment, helping you feel better.
- Excision or Destruction of Tongue Lesion: This procedure involves the surgical removal or destruction of an abnormal growth on the tongue, a key step in managing potential oral cancers in older adults.
- Thoracoscopic Excision of Lung With Robotic Assistance: This minimally invasive surgery uses small incisions and robotic assistance to remove a lung tumor, helping seniors with lung cancer receive effective treatment while minimizing discomfort.
- Hepatectomy: A hepatectomy is a surgical procedure to remove part or all of the liver, often necessary to treat liver cancer or other liver diseases impacting seniors' health.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Oncology in Florida.
Dr. Ming-Chen Chang is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After undergoing treatment for testicular cancer, a senior felt more secure at home, resuming their beloved hobby of gardening and spending time with their family without the lingering anxieties associated with the illness.
- Following a thorough treatment plan for thyroid cancer, a senior couple felt empowered to return to their beloved hiking adventures in the mountains, a cherished pastime that brought them great joy.
- With supportive guidance, a senior with acute myeloid leukemia felt empowered to continue their beloved hobby of painting, a cherished activity that brought them joy and comfort. The treatment plan helped reduce debilitating symptoms, allowing them to engage in fulfilling activities and maintain a positive outlook.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
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- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Oncological care with Dr. Ming-Chen Chang:
- What is an Oncologist?
- Dr. Ming-Chen Chang and our team are medical oncologists, specializing in treating cancer with medication like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Surgical and radiation oncologists also play vital roles, collaborating to create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to each patient's needs.
- What can I expect at my first visit with an oncologist?
- Your first visit with Dr. Ming-Chen Chang will be a comprehensive consultation. We will review your medical records, pathology reports, and imaging scans to gather all the necessary information. This will be the first step in a partnership where Dr. Chang will explain your diagnosis, discuss treatment options, and answer all of your questions with care and compassion.
- Is age a factor in deciding on cancer treatment?
- While age is a factor in considering cancer treatment, Dr. Ming-Chen Chang prioritizes a patient's overall health, fitness level, and personal goals. Personalized treatment plans are created to be just as effective while minimizing side effects and preserving independence.
- What is immunotherapy?
- Immunotherapy is a groundbreaking cancer treatment that uses your body's own immune system to identify and attack cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, which directly kills cancer cells, immunotherapy "unleashes" your immune system to do the work. It's often a well-tolerated approach to cancer care.
- What does it mean if my prostate cancer is managed with 'active surveillance'?
- Active surveillance is a safe and standard approach for slow-growing, low-risk prostate cancer. It involves regular monitoring with PSA tests and biopsies, avoiding immediate treatment like surgery or radiation. This approach helps avoid treatment side effects for cancers that may not cause problems.
- How is breast cancer treated in older women?
- Treatment for breast cancer in older women is highly personalized, considering the cancer type and the patient's overall health. Options often include surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy pills, which are generally well-tolerated. Dr. Chang works with a team to create the most effective and least disruptive treatment plan.
- What is radiation therapy?
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells, while minimizing harm to healthy tissue. It's a localized treatment, affecting only the area being treated. The procedure itself is painless, similar to an X-ray.
- What is chemotherapy and what are the side effects?
- Chemotherapy is a powerful medication used to kill cancer cells throughout the body. While side effects like fatigue, nausea, and hair loss are a concern, there are many excellent medications and supportive care strategies available to effectively manage these side effects and maintain quality of life during treatment.
1024 Mar Walt Dr
Fort Walton Beach FL 32547
Phone: (850) 863-3148
Dr. Ming-Chen Chang, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1083657001
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Oncology like Dr. Ming-Chen Chang are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.