Josephine Kim, M.D.

(877) 541-4673
Josephine Kim, M.D.
Gynecologic Oncologist
Clinical Expertise
  • Gynecologic oncologist providing the full scope of gynecologic oncology ambulatory and inpatient care
  • University-based and community-based clinical practice settings with development/growth of outreach community network site
  • Administration of systemic cancer-directed therapies (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies) and management of patients participating in clinical trials
  • Performance of robotic, laparoscopic, vaginal and open surgery including complex cytoreductive surgery and fertility-sparing approaches 
  • Intraoperative support for placenta accreta spectrum cases or OB intraoperative hemorrhage emergencies
Research Area

Gynecologic Cancer Research

Other Languages Spoken
Korean
Academic Appointments

Assistant Clinical Professor, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Surgery

Clinical Teams
Gynecologic Oncology
Women's Cancers Program
Surgery — Gynecological Oncology
Ovarian Cancer
Cervical Cancer

Josephine Kim, M.D., is a compassionate and highly skilled gynecologic oncologist whose career is driven by a deep love of science and a desire to alleviate suffering through medical innovation. Dr. Kim’s journey began with a passion for women’s health, leading her to specialize in gynecologic oncology—a dynamic field that allows her to manage both the medical and surgical aspects of cancer care. She finds profound meaning in the individualized nature of each patient’s journey and is honored to walk alongside them during such pivotal moments in their lives. Dr. Kim earned her medical degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of California San Diego, and returned to the University of Chicago for her fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology. Shahas been recognized with numerous accolades, including induction into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and serving as the inaugural department well-being director. Her expertise includes the medical and surgical care ofovarian, endometrial, cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers, as well as cytoreductive and minimally invasive surgeriesand fertility-sparing treatments. Outside of work, Dr. Kim enjoys exploring Southern California with her family, playing tennis and golf, and participating in group fitness classes. Originally from Wisconsin, she brings a warm Midwestern spirit to her practice.
 

Location

Education & Experience

Certifications

  • 2021-Present, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology- Gynecologic Oncology
  • 2018-Present, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology- Obstetrics and Gynecology

Degrees

  • 2006-2010, Doctor of Medicine, University of Chicago-Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
  • 2002-2006, Bachelor of Arts, Neuroscience and Behavior, Columbia College, Columbia University, New York, NY

Residency

  • 2010-2014, University of San Diego, (Obstetrics and Gynecology), San Diego, CA

Fellowship

  • 2014-2017, University of Chicago, NorthShore University Health System (Gynecologic Oncology), Chicago, IL

Professional Experience

  • 2025-Present, Associate Clinical Professor, City of Hope Orange County, Irvine, California
  • 2017-2025, Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Section of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

Awards & Memberships

Awards

  • 2016, NorthShore Medical Group Obstetrics and Gynecology Innovation Grant
  • 2016, NorthShore University HealthSystem Research Fellowship Travel Grant
  • 2015, NorthShore University HealthSystem Pilot Award for Breast and Ovarian Cancer Research
  • 2010, Student Departmental Award for Outstanding Performance in Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • 2009, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society
  • 2007, Geographical Medical Scholars Program Scholarship
  • 2006, Columbia University Community Impact Volunteer Award
  • 2003-2006, Dean’s List Honors, Columbia University

Memberships

  • 2021-Present. University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center- Associate Member, Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics Program
  • 2014-Present. Society of Gynecologic Oncology
  • 2010-Present. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Publications

  • Krishnan R, Kurnit KC, Kim JS. Ovarian cancer peritoneal carcinomatosis: a narrative review. Dig Med Res 2022 Sept; 5:43.

Published Abstracts

  • Kim JS, Fisher TL, Hickner J, Smith S. Using the Health Belief Model to understand barriers to primary care follow-up for ED patients without a primary care home. Oral presentation at: The University of Chicago Summer Research Forum 2007
  • Kim JS, Casper C, Smith S, Fisher TL, Hickner J. Barriers to primary care follow-up for ED patients with primary care referrals. Poster presented at American College of Emergency Physicians Annual Research Forum 2008; Chicago, IL.
  • Ward KK, Tancioni I, Lawson C, Miller N, Jean C, Chen XL, Uryu S, Kim JS, Plaxe SC, Schlaepfer DD. FAK signaling is required for orthotopic syngeneic ovarian carcinoma tumor growth and metastasis. Poster presented at Posttranslational Regulation of Cell Signaling Meeting 2012; La Jolla, CA.
  • Kim JS, Ward K, Shah N, Saenz C, McHale M, Plaxe S. Excess risk of Clostridium difficile enterocolitis in ovarian cancer is related to exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotics. Poster presented at OB/GYN Assembly of Southern California 2013 Annual Meeting and Scientific Assembly; Marina Del Rey, CA (April 2013). Poster presented at SGO Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer 2013; Los Angeles, CA
  • Kim JS, Ward K, Shah N, Saenz C, McHale M, Plaxe S. Quantifying obesity-related increases in cost for the surgical management of uterine cancer. Poster presented at SGO Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer 2014; Tampa, FL
  • Kim JS, Mills K, Fehniger J, Diaz E, Febbraro T, Yamada SD, Lee N, Tenney M. Venous thromboembolism in patients receiving extended pharmacologic prophylaxis following robotic surgery for endometrial cancer. Oral presentation at WAGO Annual Meeting 2015; Santa Rosa, CA.
  • Kim JS, Fehniger J, Mills KA, Ross JG, Hurteau JA, Kirschner CV, Rodriguez GC, Yamada SD, Lee NK, Diaz ES, Tenney ME. Clinical utility of routine postoperative laboratory studies in uncomplicated patients undergoing robotic hysterectomy for endometrial cancer. Poster presented at SGO Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer 2016; San Diego, CA.
  • Kim JS, Turbov J, Rosales R, Thaete LG, Rodriguez GC. Combination metformin and simvastatin treatment synergistically inhibits endometrial cancer cell growth in vitro. Poster presented at SGO Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer 2016; San Diego, CA.
  • Kim JS, Liang MI, Prendergast EN, Wang C, Hurteau JA, Kirschner CV, Rodriguez GC, Jenkins Vogel T, Brooks RA, Cass I, Cohen JG, Diaz Moore ES. Comparison of clinical outcomes in women with advanced ovarian cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy who receive 3 versus greater than 3 cycles of chemotherapy after interval cytoreductive surgery. Featured poster presented at SGO Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer 2016; National Harbor, MD.
  • Hlubocky FJ, Hassenfritz L, Kim JS, Lee NK. Power of support: the effect of peer navigation on emotional strain and coping for women with gynecologic cancers in early survivorship. Poster presented at SGO Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer 2019; Honolulu, HI.
  • Avila S, Ruiz MJ, Arya R, Callendar B, Kim J, Lee N, Son C, Hasan Y, McCall A, Ichikawa T, Golden D. Communicating the Gynecologic Brachytherapy Experience (CoGBE): Perceived Benefits of a Graphic Narrative Patient Education Tool. Poster presented at the University of Chicago Quality and Safety Symposium 2020; Chicago, IL.
  • Avila S, Ruiz MJ, Arya R, Callendar B, Hasan Y, Kim J, Lee N, McCall A, Son C, Stack K, Asif S, Besecker T, Juneja A, Zhongyang L, Naik P, Ranka T, Saxena P, Siegfried B, Ichikawa T, Golden D. Communicating the Gynecologic Brachytherapy Experience (CoGBE): Perceived Benefits of a Graphic Narrative Patient Education Tool. Poster presented at the NCI Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research 2021; Virtual. 
  • Ackroyd SA, Kim JS, Lee NK. Telemedicine utilization in gynecologic cancers: understanding the digital divide. Poster presented at SGO Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer 2021; Virtual
  • Alter R, Kim JS, Kuchta K, Jenkins-Vogel T. Timing of chemotherapy does not impact survival in advanced stage endometrial cancer. Poster presented at SGO Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer 2021; Virtual.
  • Somasegar S, Ackroyd S, Yamada SD, Kim JS. Association between time to adjuvant chemotherapy and outcomes in low grade ovarian cancer. Poster presented at WAGO Annual Meeting 2021; Virtual.
  • Pacyna RR, Cipriani N, Mathew MS, Kim JS. IgG4-related disease mimicking gynecologic malignancy. Poster presented at ACP Residents’ and Medical Students’ Day Poster Competition Nov 2022; Northbrook, IL. Awarded 2nd place medical student poster winner.
  • Pacyna RR, Oren NC, Kim, JS. Radiologic peritoneal cancer index predicts intraoperative tumor burden in patients with low grade serous ovarian carcinoma. Poster presented at University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine Senior Scientific Session 2023.

Invited Seminars/Lectures/Forums

  • June 2015, Opportunistic Salpingectomy: An opportunity for ovarian cancer prevention. NorthShore University HealthSystem, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Grand Rounds. Evanston, IL.
  • May 2017, Combination simvastatin/metformin for endometrial cancer treatment and prevention. NorthShore University HealthSystem, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Grand Rounds. Evanston, IL.
  • June 2018, Solid adnexal masses and complex atypical endometrial hyperplasia. Women’s Health Multidisciplinary Meeting for community physicians. Tinley Park, IL.
  • October 2020, 2020 Updates: ASCCP Guidelines and the HPV Vaccine. University of Chicago CME Webinar. Chicago, IL.
  • June 2021, Low Grade Ovarian Cancer. Summer Speaker Series, National Ovarian Cancer Coalition Teal Hearts Meeting for Ovarian Cancer Survivors (Virtual).
  • July 2021, Fertility after Cancer and Coping with Uncertainty. Top Doc Lecture Series Panelist, Wellness House Meeting for Gynecologic Cancer Support Group (Virtual).
  • August 2021, Invited lecturer for OB/GYN residency on Robotic Surgery in Gynecologic Cancer, Amita Health, Chicago, IL
  • December 2021, Illinois Cancer Care Gynecologic Oncology Case Conference. University of Chicago CME Speaker (Virtual).
  • January 2022, Cervical Cancer Is Preventable. Guest Panelist, Community Health Focus Hour WVON 1690 AM Radio
  • September 2022, Ovarian Cancer Treatment Updates. Top Doc Lecture Series Speaker, Wellness House Meeting for Gynecologic Cancer Support Group (Virtual).
  • November 2022, Germline and somatic genetic testing in gynecologic cancers. Gynecologic Oncology APP Lunch and Learn speaker, University of Chicago.
  • November 2024, Suits and Scrubs: A Discussion on Medical Malpractice. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Grand Rounds Symposium, University of Chicago.