Robin D. Kim,
MD
Chief, Division of Transplantation and Advanced Hepatobiliary Surgery
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
801-585-6140
Primary Children's Hospital
Pediatric Gastroenterology801-585-6140
Transplant Center
801-585-6320
Board Certification and Academic Information
| Academic Departments | Surgery
-
Professor Pediatrics - Adjunct Associate Professor |
| Academic Divisions | Pediatric Gastroenterology Transplantation and Advanced Hepatobiliary Surgery |
| Board Certification | National Board of Medical Examiners American Board of Surgery (Sub: General Surgery) |
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.
Likelihood of recommending care provider
4.7/ 5
Care provider spoke using clear language
4.8/ 5
Care provider's explanation of condition/problem
4.7/ 5
My confidence in care provider
4.8/ 5
Care provider's effort to include me in decisions
4.7/ 5
Wait time at clinic
4.2/ 5
Time care provider spent with me
4.5/ 5
Care provider's concern for questions & worries
4.6/ 5
Care provider's friendliness and courtesy
4.9/ 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
June 26, 2019
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
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
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
Really great team of doctors
UofU Patient
March 11, 2019
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
Great care except delay in appointments
UofU Patient
September 09, 2018
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
Board Certification and Academic Information
| Academic Departments | Surgery
-
Professor Pediatrics - Adjunct Associate Professor |
| Academic Divisions | Pediatric Gastroenterology Transplantation and Advanced Hepatobiliary Surgery |
| Board Certification | National Board of Medical Examiners American Board of Surgery (Sub: General Surgery) |
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Kim RD, Hemming AW (2009). Hepatocellular carcinoma: resection or transplantation. J Gastrointest Surg, 13(6), 1023-5.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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 |
