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Robin D. Kim, MD

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  • Academic Information
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No Rating Available?
In order to provide our patients and visitors with the most accurate and useful information, we only post physician satisfaction data when a physician has received a minimum of 30 returned surveys. For this provider, we have not yet received the minimum.
56 4.5 out of 5 Patient Rating

Languages Spoken: English

Dr. Kim received his Bachelor of Arts from The Johns Hopkins University and his Doctor of Medicine from Jefferson Medical College. He completed his residency in General Surgery at the University of Massachusetts School of Medicine which included a two-year research fellowship in liver regeneration and cancer.

Following his residency, Dr. Kim went on to the University of Toronto and the Hospital for Sick Children for his Fellowship in adult and pediatric Multiorgan Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery. Here, he gained expertise in the surgical management of liver, biliary and pancreatic diseases. This training balanced both a transplantation and oncologic approach.

Dr. Kim spent 5 years as faculty at the University of Florida, where he developed a robust practice specializing in surgery for diseases of the liver, biliary tree and the pancreas. Patients needing complex hepatobiliary surgery, including laparoscopic liver resections, were referred to him throughout the Southeast. He was also heavily involved with pediatric and adult transplantation of the liver, kidney and pancreas, and was the Director of pediatric and adult liver transplantation. Dr. Kim’s basic science research focused on the cellular mechanisms of liver cancer growth, and his educational activities included being the ASTS Fellowship Director.

Dr. Kim is the Executive Medical Director of the Transplant Service Line, Surgical Director of Liver Transplantation, and Chief of the Division of Transplantation and Advanced Hepatobiliary Surgery at the University of Utah. His clinical practice will span the University Hospital, the Huntsman Cancer Institute and Primary Children’s Medical Center. Through his experience and expertise, Dr. Kim has fortified the University’s ability to treat diseases of the liver, biliary tract and pancreas.

Clinical Locations

Huntsman Cancer Hospital

801-585-6140

1950 Circle of Hope
Salt Lake City, UT  84112
Map

Primary Children's Hospital
Pediatric Gastroenterology

801-585-6140

100 N Mario Capecchi Drive
Salt Lake City, UT  84113

University Hospital
Transplant Center

801-585-6320

50 N Medical Dr
Salt Lake City, UT  84132
Map

Specialties

  • Liver Disease
  • Liver Transplant
  • Kidney Transplant
  • Transplant Surgery
  • Liver, Biliary, & Pancreas Surgery
  • Pancreas Transplant
  • Living Liver Donor Transplant
  • Living Kidney Donor Transplant
  • Liver Cancer

Board Certification and Academic Information

Academic Departments Surgery - Professor
Pediatrics - Adjunct Associate Professor
Academic Divisions Pediatric Gastroenterology
Transplantation and Advanced Hepatobiliary Surgery
Board Certification American Board of Surgery (Sub: General Surgery)
National Board of Medical Examiners

Patient Rating

The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to care provider related questions on our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey.

Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.

Learn About Our Survey

Likelihood of recommending care provider

4.4/ 5

Care provider's explanation of condition/problem

4.6/ 5

Care provider's effort to include me in decisions

4.4/ 5

Wait time at clinic

4.3/ 5

Care provider's concern for questions & worries

4.5/ 5

Patient Comments

Patient comments are gathered from our Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survery and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.

UofU Patient January 09, 2021
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

4 out of 5 stars

Good

UofU Patient November 18, 2020
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

5 out of 5 stars

A translator was provided so that [NAME REMOVED] could understand everything.

UofU Patient August 02, 2020
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

4 out of 5 stars

my doctor had me walk which I was happy to show how much stronger and healthier I am today compared to. what i I was a year ago and was excited and happy to show them. they all remember me from a year ago which I thought was amazing because there are Soo many patients. they all seem like they really care about me!

UofU Patient March 12, 2020
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

5 out of 5 stars

Met with multiple people, Doctors and Patient advocate. All staff were very kind, able to ask questions and have my plan of care explained.

UofU Patient March 06, 2020
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

5 out of 5 stars

I was very lucky to have a great team of doctors and staff. I loved everyone. They all saved my life. Dr.Kim, Dr. Ray Thomasson, Dr Box, Dr Shandra, Amanda Corley were so great and patient with me. I have been talking with them over a year before transplant.

UofU Patient January 19, 2020
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

5 out of 5 stars

This visit included understanding postoperative concerns. All were addressed giving me and my wife the confidence and comfort we needed at the time.

UofU Patient December 16, 2019
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

4 out of 5 stars

Dr Kim is a very good doctor. He is very straight forward. I would recommend him highly but I would let people know he doesn't have a soft bedside manner.

UofU Patient November 10, 2019
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

5 out of 5 stars

AMAZING team! HIGHLY recommended!

UofU Patient October 21, 2019
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

5 out of 5 stars

explained very well

UofU Patient September 29, 2019
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

5 out of 5 stars

Excellent communication from everyone at UofU Health :)

UofU Patient June 26, 2019
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

5 out of 5 stars

interview with Dr. Kim was most informative, Dr. Humpreys visit was very good but abbreviated by the next meeting that was scheduled. The balance of the team were very informative and we all felt confident with the team.

UofU Patient June 22, 2019
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

4 out of 5 stars

it would be good if more time is tak9 to explain test results instead of leaving thinhs in the air I felt that way woth surgery

UofU Patient May 06, 2019
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER

5 out of 5 stars

I was impressed at how much the doctor and nurses knew about me. it was obvious that they had read about my problem and understood it. I felt very confident with them.

UofU Patient April 08, 2019
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

5 out of 5 stars

Really great team of doctors

UofU Patient March 11, 2019
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

5 out of 5 stars

This was a consultation. The visit was thorough and my questions were answered (felt a wee bit rushed/that Dr. Kim needed to move on quickly).

UofU Patient February 23, 2019
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

5 out of 5 stars

Great care except delay in appointments

UofU Patient September 09, 2018
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

5 out of 5 stars

Dr Kim was great

UofU Patient October 22, 2017

Excellent communication between all care providers and myself during this visit. I am very impressed.

UofU Patient October 18, 2017

Both care providers were excellent.

UofU Patient August 09, 2017

excellent

UofU Patient July 23, 2017

very good

UofU Patient July 18, 2017

At this point treatment has not been determined. But the steps required for testing was explained very well. Follow up visited I believe will include such information and I am confident I will have a full understanding of what will happen at that time.

UofU Patient June 19, 2017

the doctor was thorough and spoke at a level of understanding. He spoke with the knowledge of my condition and was truthful to my options.

UofU Patient June 01, 2017

excellent experience. extensive knowledge about my condition and able to explain it to mr clearly so I understood. explained steps he was taking for surgery and the outcome. very honest and compassionate.

UofU Patient April 29, 2017

The whole experience put me and my husband at ease about upcoming surgery.

UofU Patient March 25, 2017

Everyone was thorough in explaining everything I needed to know in a clear and helpful manner.

UofU Patient February 12, 2017

Great experience.

UofU Patient January 26, 2017

I heart Dr. Kim. I feel like he treats me with a lot of respect. He is interested in my questions and helps me understand what's going on.

UofU Patient January 13, 2017

Dr. Kim was extremely helpful in answering any questions I had, did not rush me in any way. I felt I was the only patient he was seeing that day. Dr. Kim explained all possible scenerios in dealing with my cancer and what to expect from surgery which he was recommending (and what I wanted). I would without reserve recommend him to anyone who had a liver disease.

UofU Patient October 21, 2016

We were impressed by how much time he took to visit with us and explanations. He took time to show us my husband's MRI and CT scans. He was thorough and allowed time for us to ask questions.

UofU Patient August 02, 2016

Dr. Kim is very efficient and business like. There was not any wasted time and he isn't inclined to general conversation, which is OK. Our meeting totaled 30 minutes. He answered my questions and I have full confidence in Dr. Kim's opinions/ diagnosis.

UofU Patient June 09, 2016

Sarah, Marni, Riti, Dr. Gallegos, Dr. Kim, the lab technician -- everybody was incredibly helpful and kind. I'm happy to mark a "poor" or "very poor" if it applied, but you guys genuinely get "very goods" all the way down the line. I felt like even my talk with Dr. Kim felt non-rushed and kind. I felt like - even though I knew very little - everybody treated me with a lot of respect and educated me thoroughly.

UofU Patient June 08, 2016

Unbelievably great experience in every way. Very understanding and thorough

UofU Patient March 31, 2016

Dr. Kim was amazing!

UofU Patient February 17, 2016

I'm sure there are Surgeons as good as Dr. Robin Kim but I do not see any reason why I need to meet them! This man saved my life even when I unintentionally tried to make Him give up on me! I am eternally indebted to Dr Robin Kim, not only as a Top.skilled Surgeon but also as a Man!

UofU Patient November 03, 2015

excellent demeanor and professionalism!

UofU Patient October 22, 2015

Good

UofU Patient October 11, 2015

I would recommend providing the patient with more details on what pain and discomfort to expect after surgery and several days after as numbing wears off. I had no idea what to expect and tried to ask many questions so I could prepare myself. It was sometimes hard to get that information.

UofU Patient September 13, 2015

he just seemed tired

UofU Patient September 08, 2015

Dr. Kim and his staff were thorough and efficient and made certain that I understood where my treatment is headed. I know I am in very good hands.

UofU Patient August 31, 2015

Best doctor that I've seen in a long time

UofU Patient August 13, 2015

I was very impressed.

UofU Patient July 17, 2015

Dr. Kim was honest in answering our questions. We liked him very much.

UofU Patient July 07, 2015

I like the people and doctors

UofU Patient February 20, 2015

doctors here are superlative!

UofU Patient January 09, 2015

EVERYTHING WAS GOOD ABOUT COMING TO THE CLINIC,

UofU Patient April 28, 2014

I wish there was a spot to mark EXCELLENT.

UofU Patient April 08, 2014

Dr. Kim is an excellent surgeon and he helped us with compassion ~ something missing from many of his caliper of skills.

UofU Patient January 30, 2014

Dr. Kim took the time to answer my list of questions and helped me determine the best return to work date so that I could recover fully. He was very friendly.

UofU Patient December 19, 2013

I feel very comfortable knowing I am in good hands with a very skilled team. The explanation was very good and helped answer all my questions about the surgery.

UofU Patient December 18, 2013

dr was rude

UofU Patient May 08, 2013

I come from a medical family (my husband and my father and mother) so before this liver surgery I consulted four surgeons- two from IMC , one from Regional and Dr. Kim. By far Dr. Kim was my top choice. He showed a willingness to sit down and educate me, took the time when I know he had a busy schedule, and is a skillful surgeon. He wasn't the best nurturer but I didn't come for that-I came for the absolute best surgeon.

UofU Patient May 06, 2013

it was a good experience

UofU Patient April 25, 2013

I am telling everyone about it now and how great every time has been It kind of shocked me.

UofU Patient November 26, 2012

Dr. Kim was excellent he took time to answer every one of my questions. He seemed concerned about me as a patient and I felt he was honest about my condition and wanted to do what is best for me.

UofU Patient November 14, 2012

Outstanding experience. Really liked the complete and detailed explanation of my problem and very attentive to my concerns. I would absolutely recommend Dr. Kim without any reservation whatsoever.

Dr. Kim received his Bachelor of Arts from The Johns Hopkins University and his Doctor of Medicine from Jefferson Medical College. He completed his residency in General Surgery at the University of Massachusetts School of Medicine which included a two-year research fellowship in liver regeneration and cancer.

Following his residency, Dr. Kim went on to the University of Toronto and the Hospital for Sick Children for his Fellowship in adult and pediatric Multiorgan Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery. Here, he gained expertise in the surgical management of liver, biliary and pancreatic diseases. This training balanced both a transplantation and oncologic approach.

Dr. Kim spent 5 years as faculty at the University of Florida, where he developed a robust practice specializing in surgery for diseases of the liver, biliary tree and the pancreas. Patients needing complex hepatobiliary surgery, including laparoscopic liver resections, were referred to him throughout the Southeast. He was also heavily involved with pediatric and adult transplantation of the liver, kidney and pancreas, and was the Director of pediatric and adult liver transplantation. Dr. Kim’s basic science research focused on the cellular mechanisms of liver cancer growth, and his educational activities included being the ASTS Fellowship Director.

Dr. Kim is the Executive Medical Director of the Transplant Service Line, Surgical Director of Liver Transplantation, and Chief of the Division of Transplantation and Advanced Hepatobiliary Surgery at the University of Utah. His clinical practice will span the University Hospital, the Huntsman Cancer Institute and Primary Children’s Medical Center. Through his experience and expertise, Dr. Kim has fortified the University’s ability to treat diseases of the liver, biliary tract and pancreas.

Academic Locations

School of Medicine

801-585-6140

30 N 1900 E
Section of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, 3B 110
Salt Lake City, UT  84132

Board Certification and Academic Information

Academic Departments Surgery - Professor
Pediatrics - Adjunct Associate Professor
Academic Divisions Pediatric Gastroenterology
Transplantation and Advanced Hepatobiliary Surgery
Board Certification American Board of Surgery (Sub: General Surgery)
National Board of Medical Examiners

Research Interests

  • Liver Cancer
  • Adenoma, Liver Cell
  • Liver Failure
  • Liver Regeneration
  • Liver Transplantation
  • Cholangiocarcinoma
  • Markers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Education History

Fellowship University of Toronto
Hepatobiliary/Pancreatic Surgery and Multiorgan Transplantat
Fellow
Residency University of Massachusetts Medical Center
General Surgery
Resident
Research Fellow University of Massachusetts Medical Center

Research Fellow
Professional Medical Jefferson Medical College
Medicine
M.D.
Undergraduate The Johns Hopkins University
Biology and French
B.A.
Other Training The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Physiology
Research Assistant

Other Training The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine
Research Assistant

Selected Publications - Journal Articles

Journal Article

  1. Gallegos-orozco J F, Kim R, Thiesset H F, Hatch J, Lynch K, Chaly T Jr Shihab F, Ahmed F, Hall I, Campsen J (11/22/2016). Early Results of Pilot Study Using Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Positive Kidneys to Transplant HCV Infected Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease Allowing for Successful Interferon-Free Direct Acting Antiviral Therapy after Transplantation. Cureus.
  2. Zendejas-Ruiz I, Hemming AW, Chen C, Schwartz JJ, Sorensen JB, Kim RD (2012). Recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma in liver transplant recipients with hepatitis C. J Gastrointest Cancer, 43(2), 229-35.
  3. Schwartz JJ, Thiesset HF, Bohn JA, Sloat B, Carricaburu M, Hatch J, Sorensen JB, Kim RD, Vargo D, Fryer JP (2012). Perceived benefits of a transplant surgery experience to general surgery residency training. J Surg Educ, 69(3), 371-84.
  4. Schwartz JJ, Pappas L, Thiesset HF, Vargas G, Sorensen JB, Kim RD, Hutson WR, Boucher K, Box T (2012). Liver transplantation in septuagenarians receiving model for end-stage liver disease exception points for hepatocellular carcinoma: the national experience. Liver Transpl, 18(4), 423-33.
  5. Kim RD, Mizuno S, Sorensen JB, Schwartz JJ, Fujita S (2012). Impact of calcineurin inhibitors on hepatitis C recurrence after liver transplantation. Dig Dis Sci, 57(2), 568-72.
  6. Kim RD, Book L, Haafiz A, Schwartz JJ, Sorensen JB, Gonzalez-Peralta RP (2011). Liver transplantation in a 7-month-old girl with Caroli's disease. J Pediatr Surg, 46(8), 1638-41.
  7. Kim RD, Fujikawa T, Mizuno S, Schwartz JJ, Sorensen JB, Hemming AW, Fujita S (2011). Adult post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease in the liver graft in patients with recurrent hepatitis C. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 23(7), 559-65.
  8. Schwartz J, Vargas G, Thiesset H, Stoddard G, Kim R, Sorensen J, Kraiss L (2011). Revisiting the Issue of VTE in the Setting of Chronic Liver Disease: An Examination of National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Data. Chest, 139(6), 1544-5.
  9. Hemming AW, Mekeel K, Khanna A, Baquerizo A, Kim RD (2011). Portal vein resection in management of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. J Am Coll Surg, 212(4), 604-13; discussion 613-6.
  10. Iida T, Sawada N, Takahashi M, Zendejas IR, Kayler LK, Magliocca JF, Kim RD, Hemming AW, Fujita S (2010). Successful treatment of invasive mucormycosis in a liver transplant patient by arm amputation. Transplant Proc, 42(7), 2794-6.
  11. Hemming AW, Magliocca JF, Fujita S, Kayler LK, Hochwald S, Zendejas I, Kim RD (2010). Combined resection of the liver and pancreas for malignancy. J Am Coll Surg, 210(5), 808-14, 814-6.
  12. Grobmyer SR, Hemming AW, Harris N, Behrns K, Logan H, Kim RD, Chang M, Cance WG, Hochwald SN (2009). A pilot prospective randomized trial of postoperative epoetin alfa in patients undergoing major operation for upper gastrointestinal malignancy. Am J Clin Oncol, 32(6), 570-3.
  13. Iida T, Zendejas IR, Kayler LK, Magliocca JF, Kim RD, Hemming AW, Gonzalez-Peralta RP, Fujita S (2009). Hepatocellular carcinoma in a 10-month-old biliary atresia child. Pediatr Transplant, 13(8), 1048-9.
  14. Kayler, LK, Magliocca J, Kim RD, Howard R, Schold JD (2009). Single kidney transplantation from young pediatric donors in the United States. Am J Transplant, 9(12), 2745-2751.
  15. Watanabe G, Behrns KE, Kim JS, Kim RD (2009). Heat shock protein 90 inhibition abrogates hepatocellular cancer growth through cdc2-mediated G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol, 64(3), 433-43.
  16. Kim RD, Hemming AW (2009). Hepatocellular carcinoma: resection or transplantation. J Gastrointest Surg, 13(6), 1023-5.
  17. Kibbe MR, Troppmann C, Barnett CC Jr, Nwomeh BC, Olutoye OO, Doria C, Kim RD, Mankani MH, Corbett SA, Biffl WL, Schwarze ML (2009). Effect of educational debt on career and quality of life among academic surgeons. Ann Surg, 249(2), 342-8.
  18. Kayler LK, Garzon P, Magliocca J, Fujita S, Kim RD, Hemming AW, Howard R, Schold JD (2009). Outcomes and utilization of kidneys from deceased donors with acute kidney injury. Am J Transplant, 9(2), 367-73.
  19. Kim RD, Zendejas I, Velopulos C, Fujita S, Magliocca JF, Kayler LK, Liu C, Hemming AW (2009). Duplicate gallbladder arising from the left hepatic duct: report of a case. Surg Today, 39(6), 536-9.

Book Chapter

  1. Schwartz JJ, Sorensen JB, Kim RD (2013). Selection of Patients for Resection and Liver Transplantation. In Lau, WY (Eds.), Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma (2013). New York: Springer.
  2. Kim RD, Kim JS, Behrns KE (2011). Liver Regeneration and the Atrophy-Hypertrophy Complex. In Madoff DC, Makuuchi M, Nagino M, Vauthey JN (Eds.), Venous Embolization of the Liver: Radiological and Surgical Practice (1st Edition). New York City, NY: Springer.
  3. Kim RD, Hemming AW (2010). Vascular Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. In McMasters KM, Vauthey JN (Eds.), Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Targeted Therapy and Multidisciplinary Care (1st Edition). New York City, NY: Springer.

Case Report

  1. Bleicher J, Kim RD, Hamilton B, Lau G, Campsen J (01/28/18). Backtable ureteroscopy for retrieval of retained stent or stone: A novel technique in renal autotransplant. Urol Case Rep.

Global Impact

Education History

Fellowship University of Toronto
Hepatobiliary/Pancreatic Surgery and Multiorgan Transplantat
Fellow

News Articles

Take Care of Your Liver

University Of Utah Health Sets New Records For Organ Transplants In 2017

University of Utah Organ Transplant Patients Enjoy Some of Best Outcomes in Country, Data Shows

Excellent Outcomes for Liver and Kidney Transplants at University of Utah Health Care

Living Organ Donors Honored at New Event

You May Have Hepatitis C and Not Know It

Could Coffee Prevent Cirrhosis?

U. of Utah performs living-donor liver transplant for Logan family

Advances Being Made in Treatment of Cholangiocarcinoma

How a Common Drug Could Harm You

More Patients Turning to University of Utah Health Care for Life-Saving Liver Transplants

Patient Stories

High School Athlete Able to Compete Again, Live Fully, Thanks to Organ Donation

Lynn Clark Living Liver Transplant Recipient

High-Risk Liver & Valve Transplant Surgery a Success Thanks to U Doctors

The Scope & Other Podcasts

  • How Living Donor Liver Transplant Works
  • Health Care Insider: Maximizing Care for Remote Patients
  • Hepatitis C: Deadly and Now Treatable
  • The Next Major Health Epidemic: NAFLD
  • Liver Valve Transplant, KSL
  • Living Donor Transplant

Videos

Liver Valve Transplant, KSL

Living Donor Transplant

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