Faculty spotlight: Stephanie Kim

Background and education

Dr. Stephanie Kim is originally from Northern California, where she developed a deep respect for education and the importance of hard work, values instilled in her by her parents, immigrants from South Korea.

She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley, and earned her Master of Public Health at Boston University.

Her interest in medicine was sparked early by her mother. “My mother worked as an operating room nurse for over 30 years (at the very hospital where I was born in Berkeley) so I was exposed to the medical field from an early age,” she said.

She received her medical degree from Texas A&M University, then returned to the Bay Area for her internal medicine residency at Kaiser Permanente Oakland and completed her endocrinology fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).

Passion for diabetes care

Kim chose to specialize in endocrinology, particularly in diabetes care, out of a deep appreciation for the long-term relationships she is able to build with her patients. “Endocrinology allows me to connect with patients over the long term and support them in managing a complex, ongoing condition,” she said.

Her interest is also fueled by the field’s constant evolution, especially in diabetes technology. “This is a truly exciting time in the field, with so many advancements that are transforming the way we approach diabetes care,” Kim said.

She credits the many mentors she has had throughout her training with helping her develop strong clinical skills, while emphasizing a humanistic approach to patient care.

“Their guidance has also influenced how I think about research and its essential role in advancing patient care. Since joining UW, I’ve been lucky to connect with even more mentors who continue to support my development as junior faculty,” she added.

Activities and projects

Kim joined the faculty in the Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition in 2022. She is now an assistant professor of clinical practice, and also serves as the fellowship site director and director of the Clinical Research Unit at the UW Medicine Diabetes Institute.

She particularly enjoys the variety her roles offer - from working with patients and supporting trainees to collaborating with research teams. “It keeps things dynamic, meaningful and always interesting,” she said.

“Being able to weave between the clinical and research worlds allows me to advocate for our clinical investigators and optimize care for our patients.”

Kim is currently leading a quality improvement initiative aimed at expanding telemedicine access in the Latinx Diabetes Clinic. “We’ve identified a clear disparity in telemedicine use within this population,” she said. “Through the QI Scholars Program, I’ve gained valuable tools and mentorship to guide this work.” This initiative is particularly meaningful to her, as it addresses a critical gap in care and aligns with her goal of making health care technology more accessible and equitable.

She is also wrapping up a clinical study focused on developing resources for young adults transitioning to adult diabetes care. “The transition to adult care can be really challenging,” she said. “I’ve seen how the right support can make a big difference in helping them feel more confident in managing their diabetes.”

Her patient-centered approach is reflected in her commitment to empowering individuals with the knowledge, tools and support they need to manage their health. “I’m passionate about making a meaningful difference in my patients’ lives, particularly in diabetes care,” she said.

As a mentor and educator, she takes pride in passing on the guidance she once received. “I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors throughout my training," Kim said, "and I hope to provide that same level of support to the trainees I work with.”

Kim is also an active member of the American Diabetes Association, where she helps organize an annual pre-conference for fellows ahead of the national meeting. “It is rewarding to give back to a program that I personally benefited from during my own fellowship,” she said.

Personal interests

Outside of work, Kim enjoys spending time with family (including her dog, Charlie) and friends.

“I still consider myself fairly new to Seattle and am enjoying exploring the city,” she said, “though I remain a loyal fan of Bay Area sports teams!”