UKIAH >> Growing up as a gymnast, Stephanie Kim, physiatrist, had ample exposure to the fluid motion and movements that could be accomplished by a body that is balanced and finely-tuned.
“Being a gymnast really helped me to understand how the body works and what my patients may be going through when their bodies aren”t working properly. Focusing on ways I can help others reduce pain and restore their movement ultimately is my passion,” Dr. Kim said. “I specialize in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation. I can diagnose and treat pain, and I am a nerve, muscle, bone, and brain expert who can treat an injury or illness that affects how you move.”
Kim”s approach to patient care is similar to the mission of Ukiah Valley Medical Center (UVMC), according to Nick Bejarano, regional communications manager.
“I consider healing of the whole person including medical, emotional, social and vocational,” Kim said. “I typically coordinate a multifaceted treatment team that includes therapists, trainers and other physicians. My role is to restore function by utilizing a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Improving quality of life is what gives me the most satisfaction as a physiatrist and as a physician.”
Some of the conditions Kim treats include, stroke rehabilitation, back pain, arthritis, spinal injury, sports injury, nerve pain, neuropathy and pelvic pain.
For Kim, Ukiah may seem to be an unlikely decision, after spending her time in major metropolitan areas, Bejarano said, but according to her it was an easy decision.
“While there are plenty of physiatrists in urban areas, they are often lacking in rural communities. My goal is to present a specialty service to Ukiah that can help keep residents here so they do not have to travel far for care,” Kim said.
When asked what her impression is of Ukiah, Kim said, “Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, Ukiah is definitely very different in size. However, walking around Ukiah I feel very comfortable. The people of this town couldn”t be more friendly and welcoming.”
When not seeing patients, Kim enjoys spending time with her husband Dr. David Chan, internal medicine physician and native of Ukiah, and their newborn baby.
Kim is now welcoming new patients at the Center for Pain Relief. She will join Dr. Michael Young and Rachel Chavez, PA-C, who also provides a wholistic approach to pain management. The Center for Pain Relief is located at the Ukiah Valley Rural Health Center, 260 Hospital Drive, Suite 107, in Ukiah.
To schedule an appointment with Kim, call 463-8003.
