Maria Mercedes Chang Villacreses, M.D.
Maria Mercedes Chang Villacreses, M.D., is determined to make a difference in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diabetes. As an assistant clinical professor with City of Hope's Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Dr. Chang Villacreses determined that the popular A1c test may not be sufficient to determine the presence of diabetes.
"We want to diagnose diabetes earlier so we can intervene earlier and potentially prevent diabetic complications from developing," she said. "The best way to do that is by also using oral glucose tests."
Dr. Chang Villacreses is a perpetual honors student who received her medical degree from Ecuador's Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil. After a few years serving as a physician in Guayaquil, she continued her training in the U.S. at Danbury Hospital in Danbury, Connecticut, and the Harbor University of California, Los Angeles - City of Hope fellowship program.
2022, American Board of Internal Medicine- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
2018, Medical Board of California: Physician and Surgeon
2018, ABIM 2018 Internal Medicine Certification
2014, ECFMG Certificate
2012, Ecuadorian National Title Registration For Healthcare Professionals
2005-2011, M.D., Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil, Guayaquil, Ecuador
2005, Bachelor Degree, Best graduate and National Flag bearer in Unidad Educativa Steiner Internacional
2015-2018, Internal Medicine Residency, Danbury Hospital Internal Medicine Residency Program, Danbury, CT. Dr. Villacreses also rotated in Yale Endocrinology patient consultation service during her residency.
2020-present, Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism, City of Hope, Duarte, CA
2018-present, Endocrinology Fellow at Harbor UCLA – City of Hope, Duarte, CA
2014, Internal Medicine Physician on Emergency Department at Hospital Teodoro Maldonado Carbo - Instituto Ecuatoriano de Seguridad Social, Guayauil, Ecuador
2011-2012, Rural Family Medical Service, Subcentro de Salud Puerto Hondo and Puesto de Salud Puertas del Sol, Guayaquil, Ecuador
2019, Awarded with The ENDO Experience Travel Award in conjunction with ENDO 2019 in New Orleans, LA
2018, 2nd place award winner for Best Case Report Poster Presentation at 32th Belsky Research Day
2017, 1st place award winner for Case Report Poster Presentation at 32th Belsky Research Day
2011, Graduated among the top 5 highest scores of Medical School promotion
2005-2007, Academic scholarships on 1st, 2nd, 6th and 10th semesters of Medical School
2005, Best Graduate, Standard-bearer of the National Flag and received Sociedad Filantrópica Award due academic excellence on High School Graduation
American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
American Diabetes Association
Endocrine Society
- Chang V, Maria M, Lara J. Clinical tomographic relation (GCS-Marshall) with the state of the Glasgow Outcome Scale for Moderate – Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. “Hospital Luis Vernaza” July-September 2010. Published in Revista Médica de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de la UCSG, Vol 17 N1, Guayaquil – Ecuador, 2011-2012. ISSN 1390-0218.