Page 2 - RossMed Day Cleveland Clinic May 1 Program

Keynote Address: “The Joy of Being a Surgeon”

K. Alex Kim, MD, FACS
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon | Clinical Educator | Global Volunteer

Dr. Alex Kim is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon whose career spans continents, cultures, and
communities in need. Born and raised in Japan, Dr. Kim earned his medical degree from Nagasaki University
School of Medicine before relocating to the United States in 1986 to continue his surgical training. He completed
General Surgery training at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Loma Linda University Medical Center, followed by a
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery fellowship at the University of Southern California (USC).

Since opening his private practice in Beverly Hills in 1997, Dr. Kim has specialized in facial and breast plastic
surgery for both cosmetic and reconstructive purposes, as well as body contouring procedures for men and
women. In recent years, he has expanded his practice to support transgender patients through facial, breast, and
body contouring surgeries, providing compassionate care during their transitions. In addition to English, Dr. Kim is
fluent in Japanese and has working knowledge of Korean, enhancing his ability to connect with a diverse patient
population.

Beyond his private practice, Dr. Kim serves as Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery at the University of Southern
California and Clinical Professor for Ross University School of Medicine, where he helps train the next generation
of physicians. Since 2018, he has also provided care at the Los Angeles Center for Women’s Health, collaborating
closely with breast surgeons and gynecologists to deliver comprehensive, multidisciplinary care.

Dr. Kim’s commitment to service extends far beyond the operating room. For decades, he has volunteered his
expertise globally, providing free surgical care in underserved regions of Nigeria, Vietnam, Mexico, Peru, and
Ethiopia. He has partnered with organizations such as Project Vietnam, Ethiopia HealthAid, LIGA International
(Flying Doctors of Mercy), and Open-Heart Foundation to deliver life-changing reconstructive surgeries for
patients with cleft lip and palate, burn injuries, and congenital deformities.

His remarkable humanitarian contributions earned him the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for

Volunteer Services, one of the highest honors for community service in the United States.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Kim has remained committed to the highest standards of surgical
excellence, education, and global outreach. His work not only restores physical form but also restores hope,
dignity, and opportunity to the lives of his patients around the world.

RossMed Day 2