A graduate of Columbia University, Dr. David Kim was inspired to become a physician by his father, who was also a surgeon. “When I was younger my father taught me that medicine was the most noble profession to enter and I still feel the same way,” he explains.

Dr. Kim has been trained in many aspects of surgery and is not only a fully trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon but is also an expert in performing hand surgery and microsurgery. “Plastic surgery is a powerful discipline, it really does mesh well with the other types of surgeries that I do. Plastic and reconstructive surgery can help restore functionality so it can have a major impact on people’s lives.” Some of the more common reconstructive surgeries that Dr. Kim performs are reconstruction after cancer, correcting congenital deformities in children such as cleft lip and palette, as well as hand surgery for arthritis, congenital deformities, trauma and nerve problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Dr. Kim is experienced in microsurgery, which refers to surgery performed under a microscope. A microsurgeon reattaches blood vessels and nerves that are too small to see without magnification. “It’s a subspecialty in and of itself and a valuable technique in reconstructive surgery,” he explains.

In addition to surgery, Dr. Kim also enjoys doing research “It’s difficult balancing between academics, writing and research, but I enjoy it. I have published over six textbook chapters and more than two dozen research papers on various aspects of surgery.”

Dr. Kim sees patients interested in plastic surgery one day a week and is in Orthopedics two days a week. The other days are spent in the operating room. Dr. Kim is board-certified in plastic surgery and hand surgery. He serves on the advisory board of the American Board of Surgeons writing examination questions for board certification.

In addition to his work at Reliant Medical Group, Dr. Kim is dedicated to helping those who are less fortunate. He travels throughout the world and performs operations on children with acquired and congenital deformities. “It’s something I feel impassioned about. I’ve had wonderful parental guidance and great teachers so I know what to do medically once I’m there – that’s the easy part. The most difficult thing is saying goodbye to patients and their families after establishing such strong bonds.”

During his free time Dr. Kim enjoys cycling and is a devoted New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox fan.