Victoria Chung

A Doctor of Change

Author: Haley Healey and Kimiko Fraser

Hardcover

The inspiring true story of Victoria Chung (18971966), who pursued her dreams against all odds to become the first Chinese-Canadian doctor.

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3rd February 2026

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Pre order release date
3rd February 2026

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Hardcover

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Summary

The inspiring true story of Victoria Chung (18971966), who pursued her dreams against all odds to become the first Chinese-Canadian doctor.

Description

The inspiring true story of Victoria Chung (18971966), who pursued her dreams against all odds to become the first Chinese-Canadian doctor.

Named for the city in which she was born, Victoria, British Columbia, Victoria Chung was the daughter of Chinese immigrants. Despite racist laws that initially prevented her from attending public school, and sexist attitudes that prevented many women from pursuing careers in the sciences, Victoria had an ambitious dream-to become a doctor and help heal people around the world. Her unrelenting pursuit of education led her to become the first Asian-Canadian to study medicine at her university, where she faced further racism and sexism from some students and professors, and eventually became the first woman resident in her hospital. But Victoria was not done breaking down barriers. She travelled to China, the birthplace of her parents, and worked to give women and children the same medical care as men. She became the head doctor of her hospital and introduced modern technologies and practices to ensure that her patients received the best care possible. Today, more than half a century after her death, her accomplishments, ambition, and compassion are remembered in both Canada and China.

About the Author

Haley Healey is a high school counsellor, registered clinical counsellor, and the bestselling author of On Their Own Terms: True Stories of Trailblazing Women of Vancouver Island, Flourishing and Free: More Stories of Trailblazing Women of Vancouver Island, Her Courage Rises: 50 Trailblazing Women of British Columbia and the Yukon, the Trailblazing Canadians Series, and Huxley's Island Adventure. A self-proclaimed trailblazing woman herself, she has taught in isolated fly-in communities, guided whitewater canoe expeditions, and plays the violin. She has an avid interest in wild places and unconventional people. Kimiko Fraser is an illustrator and historian-in-training. She grew up constantly making—drawing, painting, knitting, sculpting, bookbinding, etc.—and has never learned how to stop. She is the illustrator of Her Courage Rises: 50 Trailblazing Women of British Columbia and the Yukon, the Trailblazing Canadians Series, and Huxley's Island Adventure. She holds a bachelor of arts (honours History, major Visual Arts) from the University of Victoria. She works with many mediums to create her illustrations, including watercolour, digital, ink, and tea. Most of her work is inspired by her interest in plants, history, and folktales.