Theodore Kim, DO

Theodore “Ted” Kim, DO, joined Skagit Valley Hospital in July 2006, bringing with him experience in clinical research and a desire to help cancer patients.

Dr. Kim received a bachelor of science degree from the State University of New York at Albany and a master’s degree in molecular cell biology from West Virginia University, where he studied DNA repair mechanisms. He went on to graduate from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, which has an emphasis on holistic care. Dr. Kim completed his residency in internal medicine at the Albany Medical Center in New York. 

Before joining Skagit Valley Hospital, Dr. Kim was a hematology/oncology fellow at Tufts-New England Medical Center in Boston, Mass.

“My initial goal was to go into academics, but I found that I really enjoyed working with patients,” Dr. Kim says. “After interviewing across the country, I found that North Puget Oncology and Skagit Valley Hospital had the high standards of patient care and forward thinking that fit my own personal beliefs. I also found the area and people warm and inviting. It’s a wonderful place for me and my family.”

Breast cancer has been an ongoing research interest for Dr. Kim, who is currently working on developing an inflammatory breast cancer database and publishing a meta-analysis on its treatment. He was also the only fellow to sit on the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s board to set the national guidelines on how to use sentinel lymph node biopsies for N-stage breast cancer patients, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

“During my fellowship training, I chose to have a strong emphasis in breast cancer, in both the early and locally advanced stages,” he says. “It is a field that is very proactive and focused on prevention. There have been many landmark advances in the treatment of breast cancer, including improved adjuvant treatments, targeted therapies, and gene profiling. I feel very fortunate to have been able to work with some of the finest physicians in the Boston area during this pivotal time of my education and career.”

As more people turn go online to find health care information, Dr. Kim said he is finding his patients to be prepared and informed.

“The Internet has provided patients and their families an invaluable resource to learn more about their disease and potential treatments,” he says, noting that one of the most reliable and informative sites is the official website of the National Cancer Institute.

Dr. Kim says his patients will benefit from the clinical trials available through the hospital’s affiliation with Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.

“Clinical trials offer patients an opportunity to be treated with newly developed therapies and drug regimens,” he said. “They are best suited for patients whose disease treatments are not well understood, or for patients who may not benefit from the current standards of care. Enrolling people into clinical trials requires careful consideration of each individual’s needs and expectations, as well as an understanding of the patient’s biological disease.”

Dr. Kim and his wife, Sara, have three children Teddy Jr. or “T2,” Anise, and Suzanna. Away from work, he enjoys spending time with his family, competitive Judo, alpine skiing, hiking, fly fishing, and camping.