AAPI Heritage Month Physician Spotlight: Yoo Jung Kim, MD

Recognizing Asian American & Pacific Islander Physicians in Our Community

May 25, 2023 · Dox Spotlight


During Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we reflect on the contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander individuals, both past and present, to the realm of medicine. Each week, we highlight distinguished members of the Doximity network. These interviews provide insight into the unique experiences these physicians encounter in today's medical field, as well as the paths they are pioneering. This week we are interviewing Yoo Jung Kim, MD, Dermatology Resident at Northwestern University.


How does AAPI history influence your life as a physician?

As an Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) physician, understanding the history of AAPIs can provide valuable insights into the experiences and challenges that members of my community may face in accessing healthcare services.

For example, many AAPI immigrants face language barriers that made it difficult for them to communicate effectively with healthcare providers. Additionally, some AAPI communities have traditionally relied on alternative forms of medicine, which may not be understood or valued by Western medical practitioners

Why is it important to you that we celebrate AAPI Month in medicine?

Celebrating AAPI Month in medicine can help to raise awareness of the health disparities and challenges that AAPI communities continue to face. AAPI's are not a monolithic group and can face different health challenges based on their ethnic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds. By acknowledging these disparities and challenges, we can work to address them and promote health equity for all members of our diverse communities.

AAPIs are not a monolithic group and can face different health challenges based on their ethnic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds. By

What has your journey been like as an AAPI physician?

As a Korean-America I'm fortunate to originate from a culture and family that places a great emphasis on the importance of education. There's also a tremendous cultural and social respect given to physicians as a member of the Korean community. I do feel that I have a special responsibility in ensuring quality care for immigrant patients.

What can we do to support AAPI individuals pursuing or interested in pursuing medicine?

AAPI pre-meds interested in pursuing medicine can benefit from mentorship from AAPI physicians. This can help them navigate the challenges of medical school and residency. Supporting AAPI pre-med also requires advocating for policies and systems that promote health equity and reduce health disparities for AAPI communities. This can include advocating for increased funding for AAPI health research, addressing language and cultural barriers in healthcare, and promoting diversity and inclusion in medical education and training programs.


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