Royal Oak Doctor Recognized as 'Breast Cancer Hero'

Each day, she looks into the eyes of her patients and offers the gift of a healing touch.

Perhaps that is why Dr. Elizabeth Kim could never picture herself in any other role than as a breast cancer oncologist.

This Royal Oak resident was recently honored for her commitment to the industry, as a recipient of this year’s Breast Cancer Heroes Award, given out by the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute.

Since 1995, the highly acclaimed cancer research center recognizes certain individuals and corporations for their leadership in the breast cancer research field during the month of October. Kim, who is a breast cancer specialist at Karmanos as well as a Wayne State University faculty member, received the notable achievement of the Compassionate Caregiver Award for her achievements in the field.

“I really love what to do and I always try to go the extra mile and I can say that with confidence,” said Kim, who received her medical degree from Oregon Health and Science University’s School of Medicine. “To be a part of the Karmanos team makes me feel incredibly loved and embraced.”

Citing interaction and building relationships as her favorite part of the job, Kim notes that she feels honored to be able to work with patients in the most critical moments of their life.

“I just love the fact that I get to help them along the journey and that, in fact, this could actually be a bump in the road,” Kim said. “Breast cancer can be just a chapter in the patients’ lives, but they still have so many other chapters to write in their life story.”

Not only does Kim connect personally with those she operates on, she also combines advanced technological skill to remove the cancer from those patients. Skin sparing mastectomies are performed with immediate reconstruction, a technique that involves operating with the plastic reconstructive surgeons, as well staging lymph nodes, at the same time. For higher risk patients, Kim works diligently to address breast and ovarian cancer issues with minimally invasive surgery methods.

Though she has only been with Karmanos since August of last year, Kim's dedication to her line of work continues to shine through in a multitude of ways.

"This award recognizes a very special combination of remarkable technical skill and a personal touch that goes far beyond 'good bedside manner'”, said Maureen Meldrum, director of Breast Cancer Special Programs at Karmanos.  “Dr. Kim really listens to her patients, really hears them, and, in doing so, transforms what can be terrifying to a woman facing breast cancer. This is how a truly compassionate caregiver contributes to the healing process."

Kim encourages all to remain health-concious, continue regular wellness screenings and contact Karmanos with any questions.

“This is the most rewarding field. I am so glad that I found it and that it found me,” Kim said of her career. “I just feel very blessed.”