Dr Kim is confident, pleasant-mannered and clearly well-educated but I learned the hard way that these positive attributes were not commensurate with actual experience, particularly when it comes to foot/nerve issues. His post-graduate work began in 2015, and for me his six years of professional experience translated into three misdiagnosis', several months of wasted time and compounded physical suffering (my feet were so bad I was in a wheelchair, in severe pain 24/7, and losing money/employment by the day). After three months of visits, when he finally realized the actuality of my ailment (Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome), Dr. Kim still preferred to perform more tests while prescribing me steroids and anti-seizure meds (neither of which were effective courses towards an actual treatment), rather than directly address the issue and a path to healing. He was clearly in no hurry, and the prolonged delays were traumatic.
If you suspect you have nerve related issues in your foot, especially Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, you would be wise to find a podiatrist who has been trained by The Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons (https://www.aens.us). After my experience with Dr. Kim, I found an Aens-certified podiatrist and the difference was dramatic. My new doctor was able to quickly diagnose and confirm my problem (Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome), and with hundreds of Tarsal Tunnel surgeries under her belt, had the experience and confidence to promptly resolve the issue. Within one week of my initial visit, she performed surgery and within two weeks I was back on my feet and on a path to recovery. This new doctor even provided her personal cell phone should any urgent post-op questions come up, and texted me on Christmas morning to see how I was doing! This brings up another RED FLAG and major frustration in working with Dr. Kim -- it is impossible to communicate or follow up with him on any issue, urgent or logistical, without making an appointment and waiting a minimum of two weeks. Having issues getting Dr Kim's office to coordinate with your insurance and approve a MRI? Make an appointment and wait two weeks. Have a follow-up question after a test or procedure? Make an appointment and wait two weeks. If you are suffering from severe pain and try to "walk-in" to the office and find it empty, and learn that Dr Kim is finishing up with his last patient and it's only 4PM, forget it! You'll be turned away or directed to the ER, or told to make an appointment and wait two weeks. No exceptions! Furthermore, Dri Kim's assistant Kassidy is completely useless and clearly dispassionate about her job. She NEVER answers the phone and rarely if ever returns patient's voice messages, even if left through the front-desk staff at CA Orth and Spine. My advice -- you would be wise to seek out another podiatrist or else wait until Dr. Kim gets a few more years under his belt, develops a little more compassion, and re-staffs. read more