Kim began his career in family medicine in 1979. By 2004, he’d become a strong believer in the Toyota Production System’s ability to ease quality-care delivery while also boosting financial success and maintain sustainable practices in primary care. He became a kaizen fellow certified by Virginia Mason and Shingijitzu Consulting in Japan. Kim left his private practice after nearly 40 years to devote his career to medical care innovations inspired by lean methodology.

Kim has firsthand experience implementing process improvement using lean thinking, methods, and tools in both inpatient and ambulatory medical ecosystems: emergency rooms, hospitalist teams, specialty and primary care clinics, as well as correctional health systems. He was named top doctor by Seattle Magazine for 10 years.

• A Decision Aid Versus Shared Decision Making for Prostate Cancer Screening: Results of Randomized, Controlled Trial (The Canadian Journal of Urology, August 2017)
• Improving Acute Respiratory Infection Care Through Nurse Phone Care and Academic Detailing of Physicians (The Journal of American Board of Family Medicine, March-April 2015)

• Licensed Physician, Washington State Department of Health
• Member, American Academy of Family Practice
• Member, American Board of Family Practice
• Member, Puget Sound Health Alliance: Prevention Work Group
• Member, Affordability Work Group

• BS, biology, University of Cincinnati (magna cum laude)
• MD, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine