By Eryk Michael Smith
Dr. Chen Yao-chang (陳耀昌), one of Taiwan’s foremost hematology–oncology specialists and a pioneer of bone marrow transplantation, died Monday at National Taiwan University Hospital. He was 76.
A longtime professor and later honorary professor at NTU College of Medicine, Dr. Chen helped establish modern hematology and stem-cell medicine in Taiwan. He served as the founding director of the National Health Research Institutes’ Stem Cell Center and played a key role in promoting the nation’s cell therapy and regenerative medicine framework.
Beyond medicine, Dr. Chen was also a novelist whose historical works, such as Puppet Flower and Lion’s Head Flower, brought renewed attention to Taiwan’s 19th-century encounters with foreign powers. PTS later adapted Puppet Flower into the acclaimed television drama Seqalu: Formosa 1867. A translation of his book A Tale of Three Tribes in Dutch Formosa was published in 2024 by Plum Rain Press, the printing arm of the Formosa Files podcast. (Note: the writer of this obituary is the co-host of the same podcast.)
At age 75, Dr. Chen co-founded Rivogen Biomedical, pursuing new therapies based on exosomes and advanced stem-cell technologies—a venture he called his “late-life biotech dream.”
Dr. Chen is remembered for his scientific rigor, compassion for patients, and lifelong commitment to pushing Taiwan’s medical frontiers forward.
The Formosa Files/Plum Rain Press team extends our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Chen’s family and friends.
