H. Katherine Kim, MD

What drew you to radiation oncology?

Initially, I was interested in radiology as well as nuclear medicine, a field which involves using small amounts of radioactive materials to help diagnose and treat diseases. While I found them both fascinating, I wanted to practice a specialty where I could develop more long-term relationships with patients. As a radiation oncologist, I tend to monitor my patients for several years —even after active treatment is over —so I get to know them quite well. Working in this field gives me the chance to make a big difference in people’s lives using advanced technology while also forming strong bonds with patients and families over time.

What do you want patients to know about working with you?

I’m a true believer in the power of forming deep relationships with patients and families; our trust in each other is a fundamental key to success. My priority has always been to combine state-of-the art treatment with compassionate attention to the needs of every patient. I think it’s important to remember that cancer care is not just about “winning,” in the sense of achieving a cure or putting a disease into remission. Cancer care is also about understanding a person’s emotional or spiritual path, offering hope and support and helping patients through every stage of this experience, whether that means working toward a cure or helping people prepare for end of life.

Provider Background

Specialty: Radiation Oncology

Area of clinical practice
Genitourinary cancers
Breast cancer
Colorectal cancer

Prostate cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancers, bladder cancer

I am a board-certified radiation oncologist with more than 30 years of experience in cancer care. I specialize in treating patients with prostate, breast, and colorectal cancers, among other diseases. My expertise includes a variety of radiation techniques, such as brachytherapy (radiation administered from inside the body). In addition to caring for patients, I have conducted research on intraoperative radiation therapy — radiation administered during surgery — for locally advanced rectal cancer and cervical carcinomas.