Top Korean origin doctors in USA 

Below is an illustrative (not exhaustive) list of Korean-origin doctors in the United States who have made meaningful contributions to medical practice, research, administration, or public health.

This compilation features a brief profile of each individual, highlighting their specialty and impact. Please note that this is not an official ranking, and many other Korean and Korean American physicians also excel throughout American healthcare.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Profiles of Fifteen Korean-Origin Doctors in the USA
  • Dr. Jim Yong Kim
  • Dr. Eugene Gu
  • Dr. Esther Choo
  • Dr. Joseph Woo
  • Dr. John Y. Kim
  • Dr. Paul Song
  • Dr. Jae U. Jung
  • Dr. Kwang Yul Cha
  • Dr. June Lee
  • Dr. Yoon Kang
  • Dr. Jin Mo Chung
  • Dr. Jean Kim
  • Dr. Andrew Y. Kim
  • Dr. Seung K. Kim
  • Dr. Alice H. Shin
• Conclusion
• References

Introduction

Korean-origin physicians have established a dynamic presence across the American medical landscape. Some migrated to the United States for advanced training or research, while others are second-generation Korean Americans raised in bilingual, bicultural settings. Their accomplishments span clinical excellence, biotech innovation, public health leadership, and translational science. Featured below are fifteen such individuals, illustrating the breadth of their impact on U.S. healthcare.

Profiles of Fifteen Korean-Origin Doctors in the USA

Dr. Jim Yong Kim

• Specialty: Internal Medicine, Global Health.
• Key Roles:
  • Former President of the World Bank (2012–2019).
  • Co-founder of Partners In Health.
  • Past President of Dartmouth College.
• Major Achievements:
  • As a Harvard-trained physician-anthropologist, Dr. Kim spearheaded programs against tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS in resource-limited countries.
  • Advocated for equitable healthcare access and delivery innovations, both in the U.S. and globally.
• Significance:
  Although better known for international development leadership, Dr. Kim’s medical background influenced his push for universal health coverage and policy reforms worldwide.

Dr. Eugene Gu

• Specialty: General Surgery (Resident Physician), Medical Activism.
• Key Roles:
  • Former surgical resident at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
  • Founder of Ganogen Research.
• Major Achievements:
  • Pioneered early experiments in organ transplantation research using fetal tissue (Ganogen project).
  • Garnered a public profile advocating patient rights, social justice, and highlighting inequalities in healthcare.
• Significance:
  Dr. Gu’s work exemplifies the intersection of clinical practice, experimental research, and activism. His advocacy raises awareness on ethical issues within medicine and underscores the role of physician-advocates in public discourse.

Dr. Esther Choo

• Specialty: Emergency Medicine, Public Health.
• Key Roles:
  • Professor of Emergency Medicine at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU).
  • Health policy commentator and media contributor.
• Major Achievements:
  • Research in health disparities, gender bias, and social determinants of health within emergency care.
  • Founding member of Equity Quotient, focusing on equitable healthcare workplaces.
• Significance:
  Dr. Choo’s commitment to addressing racism and sexism in medicine has influenced hospital systems’ policies. She is widely recognized for bridging scientific evidence and public advocacy, making health equity a core concern for emergency care.

Dr. Joseph Woo

• Specialty: Cardiothoracic Surgery.
• Key Roles:
  • Chair of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Stanford University.
  • Expert in minimally invasive and robotic cardiac surgical techniques.
• Major Achievements:
  • Prolific research in cardiac valve repair, heart-lung transplantation, and novel surgical devices.
  • Mentors fellows in advanced heart failure surgeries, bridging science with operating room innovation.
• Significance:
  Dr. Woo’s leadership at Stanford fosters cutting-edge methods in repairing complex heart anomalies. His approach emphasizes collaborative research, quality improvement, and training the next generation of cardiothoracic surgeons.

Dr. John Y. Kim

• Specialty: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
• Key Roles:
  • Professor of Surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
  • Section Chief of the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
• Major Achievements:
  • Renowned for breast reconstruction, microsurgical techniques, and aesthetic plastic surgery.
  • Authored numerous peer-reviewed articles on reconstructive outcomes and operative innovations.
• Significance:
  Balancing aesthetic and reconstructive expertise, Dr. Kim contributes to practice guidelines that enhance patient safety and satisfaction. His emphasis on technology (e.g., 3D simulation, microsurgery robotics) advances the field of plastic surgery.

Dr. Paul Song

• Specialty: Radiation Oncology, Healthcare Advocacy.
• Key Roles:
  • Radiation oncologist in California.
  • Former executive chairman of Courage Campaign (a progressive nonprofit).
• Major Achievements:
  • Worked on advanced radiation therapies for breast and prostate cancers.
  • Advocated for healthcare reforms such as single-payer systems, focusing on cost control and patient access.
• Significance:
  Dr. Song illustrates how a practicing specialist can influence broader health policy. His activism targets reducing inequalities in cancer treatment, bridging the gap between clinical care and public policy reforms.

Dr. Jae U. Jung

• Specialty: Virology, Immunology.
• Key Roles:
  • Former Director, Institute of Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, USC.
  • Research professor focusing on viral pathogenesis.
• Major Achievements:
  • Studied herpesvirus, HIV, and emerging pathogens to decode immune evasion strategies.
  • Investigated viral oncogenesis, proposing new antiviral drug targets.
• Significance:
  By detailing how viruses escape immune detection, Dr. Jung’s lab aids vaccine and therapeutic design. His cross-institutional collaborations accelerate responses to outbreaks like Zika or COVID-19.

Dr. Kwang Yul Cha

• Specialty: Reproductive Medicine, Infertility.
• Key Roles:
  • Founder of CHA Fertility Center (global network with branches in the USA).
  • Pioneer in in vitro fertilization (IVF) and related reproductive technologies.
• Major Achievements:
  • Advanced embryology lab techniques, increasing IVF success rates.
  • Research in stem cell therapies derived from reproductive tissues.
• Significance:
  Dr. Cha’s fertility centers integrate research with patient care, helping couples who struggle with infertility. His cross-border approach fosters synergy between Korean and American reproductive medicine.

Dr. June Lee

• Specialty: Pulmonary and Critical Care, Clinical Pharmacology.
• Key Roles:
  • Former Professor at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).
  • Leading roles in biotech, guiding drug development for pulmonary conditions.
• Major Achievements:
  • Conducted clinical trials on new therapies for respiratory diseases, including cystic fibrosis.
  • Managed early-phase biotech programs bridging academic research and commercial development.
• Significance:
  Dr. Lee’s career unites academia and industry, ensuring that novel pulmonary treatments progress through rigorous trials. Her translational mindset exemplifies how physician–scientists accelerate bench-to-bedside breakthroughs.

Dr. Yoon Kang

• Specialty: Internal Medicine, Medical Education.
• Key Roles:
  • Senior Associate Dean for Education at Weill Cornell Medicine.
  • Oversees curriculum development, admissions, and academic policies.
• Major Achievements:
  • Implemented innovative methods for clinical skills training, simulation-based learning.
  • Published on effective mentorship models and diversity initiatives in medical schools.
• Significance:
  As an education leader, Dr. Kang shapes how future physicians are trained, focusing on patient-centered care, cultural competence, and continuous learning.

Dr. Jin Mo Chung

• Specialty: Neuroscience, Pain Research.
• Key Roles:
  • Professor Emeritus at the University of Texas Medical Branch (Galveston).
  • Investigated neuropathic pain mechanisms in rodent models.
• Major Achievements:
  • Defined nerve injury–induced pain pathways, providing frameworks for new analgesics.
  • Mentored a generation of pain researchers bridging molecular and clinical research.
• Significance:
  Dr. Chung’s fundamental studies have underpinned therapeutic advances for chronic pain conditions. His findings guide pharmaceutical strategies targeting nerve damage–related pain.

Dr. Jean Kim

• Specialty: Otolaryngology (ENT), Inflammation Research.
• Key Roles:
  • Professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
  • Focuses on chronic sinusitis and nasal polyp pathophysiology.
• Major Achievements:
  • Identified immune cell pathways that drive recurring sinus inflammation.
  • Contributed to biologic therapy trials aimed at severe nasal polyp disease.
• Significance:
  Dr. Kim’s translational ENT research helps patients with debilitating sinus conditions. By pinpointing inflammatory mediators, she refines targeted interventions that minimize surgical interventions.

Dr. Andrew Y. Kim

• Specialty: Infectious Diseases, Hepatology.
• Key Roles:
  • Physician-researcher at Massachusetts General Hospital.
  • Studies viral hepatitis and HIV co-infection.
• Major Achievements:
  • Published on treatment outcomes and progression of chronic hepatitis in vulnerable populations.
  • Advocates integrated care models linking HIV and liver disease management.
• Significance:
  Combining ID and hepatology perspectives, Dr. Andrew Kim shapes guidelines for complex co-infection cases. His data-driven approach helps reduce morbidity and address disparities in care.

Dr. Seung K. Kim

• Specialty: Developmental Biology, Endocrinology.
• Key Roles:
  • Professor at Stanford University School of Medicine.
  • Investigates pancreatic islet development.
• Major Achievements:
  • Identified genetic factors essential for insulin-producing beta cell differentiation.
  • Explores beta cell regeneration as a potential therapy for type 1 diabetes.
• Significance:
  Dr. Seung Kim’s breakthroughs in pancreatic biology open possibilities for curing or mitigating diabetes via regenerative strategies. His work underlies future cell-based treatments for metabolic disorders.

Dr. Alice H. Shin

• Specialty: Pediatric Emergency Medicine.
• Key Roles:
  • Pediatric Emergency Attending Physician in a major children’s hospital (e.g., in California or New York).
  • Research on pediatric trauma response and emergency protocols.
• Major Achievements:
  • Implemented system-based improvements for pediatric triage in urban emergency departments.
  • Advocates for injury prevention initiatives, from seatbelt use to safe sleep guidelines.
• Significance:
  Dr. Shin’s on-the-ground work in busy pediatric EDs drives best practices that protect children from severe complications. Her leadership ensures continuous refinement of life-saving protocols.

Conclusion

These fifteen Korean-origin doctors exemplify the broad range of contributions that Korean and Korean American physicians make to U.S. healthcare. From high-profile global health figures like Dr. Jim Yong Kim to hands-on innovators in neurosurgery, cardiology, fertility, and more, they enhance clinical standards and drive medical research forward. Their work also fosters cross-cultural connections, bridging knowledge from Korea and the United States. This synergy often benefits patients worldwide, illustrating how international perspectives strengthen and advance modern medicine.