New faculty Q&A with Theodore Kim, MD

Theodore Kim, MDTheodore Kim, MD

Clinical Assistant Professor
Division of Hospital Medicine
Medical School: University of Illinois-Peoria
Residency: Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri
Joined the Department of Medicine: August, 2017

What is your primary professional focus in any or all of our mission areas (clinical, research, and/or medical education)?
My focus for now is primarily clinical: moving patients safely through their hospital stay and facilitating the transition to outpatient care. However, I do plan on being involved with medical education in the future.

What drew you to UW-Madison and the Department of Medicine?
I was interested in working at a large, academic center for opportunities in medical education. I was also looking for a location close to family and Madison seemed to be a great place to live.

What are you most excited about during your first year with the department in this role?
I am looking forward to practice independently at UWHC after finishing residency this last summer.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
My hobbies are water color painting and cooking.

Favorite piece of advice from a mentor or inspiring figure in your life?
One little piece of advice that stuck with me was imparted by a cardiologist I worked with at Barnes Hospital. "Do you know what separates good from great work? Five more minutes." Many times, you already have what you need to succeed. Just a little extra time to organize your thoughts, deliberate on a plan of action, and enact that plan can make the difference between passable and excellent.