Dr. Dai Chung appointed first Master Physician in pediatric surgery following endowment established by grateful donor family
Children’s HealthSM is proud to announce the appointment of Dai Chung, M.D., Chief Executive Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Surgical Services at Children’s Health, as the first holder of the Dr. George W. Dorman Master Physician in Pediatric Surgery, thanks to an endowment established by an anonymous family. This prestigious designation – the first such Master Physician in pediatric surgery at Children’s Health – will support Dr. Chung’s important work while honoring a physician who meant so much to the donor family many years ago.
A leader in pediatric surgical innovation
Dr. Chung is one of the country’s most highly acclaimed pediatric surgeons leading the way with cutting-edge procedures and research. He specializes in treating pediatric solid tumors, minimally invasive surgery and pediatric burns. He’s also conducted significant research to develop novel targeted therapeutics against neuroblastoma, the most common extracranial solid tumor in children. With this endowed position, Dr. Chung will have resources to continue to advance surgical care and research that improve outcomes for children across North Texas and beyond.
“This meaningful distinction serves as both a personal milestone and a powerful reminder of the purpose that guides my work each day — to make life better for children with compassion and unwavering commitment,” Dr. Chung said.
A legacy rooted in gratitude
The endowment was established by an anonymous donor family to honor George W. Dorman, M.D., a Dallas native and former Chief of Surgical Services at Children’s Medical Center Dallas in the 1960s. Their gift — quiet in its generosity and profound in its impact — will help make the impossible possible for the next generation of kids.
In the early 1960s, the donor family faced a frightening situation when their 3-year-old daughter became seriously ill. After months of inconclusive tests, their pediatrician referred them to Dr. Dorman. Although her diagnosis remained uncertain, Dr. Dorman suspected a hereditary blood disorder and recommended a splenectomy. The surgery was successful, and subsequent bloodwork confirmed the diagnosis.
Today, that young girl lives a healthy life. And thanks to Dr. Dorman’s insight and expertise, the hereditary nature of the condition was identified — allowing the donor family’s grandchildren to also receive splenectomy surgeries and live healthy lives.
Moved by Dr. Dorman’s expertise and compassion, the family established the endowment to honor his legacy and ensure future generations of children receive the same life-changing care.
The power of endowments
Endowments like the one for the Dr. George W. Dorman Master Physician in Pediatric Surgery are vital to sustain excellence in pediatric care.
Dr. Chung was appointed to hold the role of Master Physician and is entrusted with overseeing the fund’s annual distributions to enhance surgical services and research at Children’s Health. While the holder of the position may change over time, the endowment will continue to support the Master Physician role in pediatric surgery in perpetuity.
This generous endowment honors the legacy of Dr. Dorman and empowers Children’s Health to strengthen its ability to advance clinical excellence, train the next generation of pediatric surgeons and pioneer research that improves outcomes for children in North Texas and beyond.
To learn more about how endowments help Children’s Health meet the evolving needs of our patients, visit Children's Medical Center Foundation.
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