04/17/2026
We are so proud of Dr. Chang, who volunteers his time to serve as our medical director for CCMs Dr. John Earl Free and Charitable Medical Clinic! Dr Chang is a true blessing to our community and an answer to prayers for our medical clinic! We are so thankful for you, Dr. Chang! Thank you for all that you do to serve our community and the uninsured at CCM!
Did you know that CCM is the only free and charitable medical and dental clinic in Catawba and Alexander County? We are able to serve the uninsured for free, ensuring that no one has to go without the basic human right to healthcare!
Are you uninsured?
What are you waiting for, come in and see us to get a CCM healthcare card!
Are you medical professional who wants to volunteer their time and give back to those in need within our community? Email Jeanette.Conley@ccmhickory.org for more information! We would love to have you as part of our team!
Join us in congratulating our April C.A.R.E Award Recipient – Dr. Warren Chang! Dr. Chang serves as a physician in our Hospitalist department.
His nomination read, “I would like to nominate Dr. Chang for a CARE Award because of the genuine compassion he shows to his patients and their families. Recently Dr. Chang cared for a patient who was facing a very serious and life-altering diagnosis. Transfer was recommended for emergent surgical repair, but after talking through everything the patient made the very difficult decision to decline intervention and pursue conservative management. She was surrounded by her family and being asked to make incredibly hard decisions about how she wanted to move forward with her care. Moments like this are some of the most overwhelming and frightening experiences patients and their loved ones can face.
“When Dr. Chang spoke with the patient and her family about the seriousness of the situation and the possible outcomes, he did so with remarkable empathy and kindness. The patient later told staff that what stood out most to her was how deeply he cared. She shared that Dr. Chang was the ‘kindest and most caring doctor’ she had ever met. She could see how much the conversation affected him and said it meant a lot to her that he cared enough to truly be present with her in that moment.
“In healthcare we often talk about compassionate care, but it is in moments like this that its true meaning becomes clear. Dr. Chang met this patient not just as a physician, but as a human being standing beside another person at one of the most vulnerable moments of her life. He took the time to sit with this patient and her family, answer their questions, and make sure her wishes were clearly understood and respected. He helped guide them through an incredibly difficult moment with compassion, sincerity, and respect. Dr. Chang consistently shows that caring for patients is about more than treating a diagnosis. It’s about showing up for people when they are vulnerable, listening to them, and making sure they feel seen and supported. In a moment that could have felt frightening and overwhelming, Dr. Chang made sure this patient and her family felt heard, cared for, and not alone. The compassion he shows in moments like this truly reflects the spirit of the CARE Award.”
The C.A.R.E Award is given monthly to a Catawba Valley Health System employee who has exhibited Courtesy, Attitude, Respect, and Enthusiasm throughout their work.
To learn more about becoming one of the exceptional team members who work at CVHS, visit our careers page at CatawbaValleyHealth.org/Careers.
