Dr. Kim to Become South Korea’s first Pediatric Ear, Nose & Throat Doctor

Dr. Bong Jik Kim is one of the newest fellows at Primary Children’s Hospital. He secured a fellowship position with the University of Utah Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, but his vision to make a difference in the lives of patients stretches well beyond the hospital walls. He wants to become the first pediatric otolaryngologist (commonly called an Ear, Nose, and Throat or ENT physician) in South Korea.

Dr. Kim wants to treat hearing impaired children in his home country because there is very limited access to pediatric specialists. “The South Korean government tends to pay more for the care of the elderly, so many physicians don’t want to specialize in pediatric care. At this point, children with ENT problems have to see an adult physician,” said Kim. However, given the unique differences and special training required for pediatrics, the outcomes are not as good. Pediatric otolaryngologists understand the differences in children’s anatomy and development, know how to examine and treat children in a way that puts them at ease, and are trained to use specialized equipment designed for kids.

Dr. Kim’s interest in otolaryngology began during his rotations at Seoul National University where he saw children hear for the first time with the help of cochlear implants. When he witnessed this, he realized that he had found his calling. He wants to bring his natural curiosity along with his unique cultural perspective to the field. He also plans to bring the practices and expertise he’s learning in clinic back to South Korea with him. “In Korea, we see a lot a patients in a short period of time. Here I am able to spend more time with the children, and make sure to answer any questions the parents might have.”

He will complete his fellowship in June 2016 and will stay while his wife finishes a research position at the University of Utah. They will return to South Korea, where he hopes to begin a training program for other future pediatric specialists. “I am very impressed and grateful for the staff and the hospital that make it possible for me to complete this fellowship,” said Kim. “Each attending in the department has their own specialty which provides so many opportunities to learn.”

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Primary Children's Hospital

Primary Children’s Hospital ranks among the best children's hospitals. Located in scenic Utah, everything in our hospital is focused on providing the best care for children. For more than 90 years, we have been committed to helping children, families, and communities across the western United States.

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