The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees approved Robert Y. Kim, M.D., as professor emeritus in the UAB Department of Radiation Oncology during the Nov. 3, 2023, board meeting.

During his 48 years of service to the Department of Radiation Oncology, Kim made extraordinary contributions to the university and the field of radiation oncology. His long career focused on the treatment of prostate and gynecologic cancers. His research efforts focused on image-guided brachytherapy and application of new technology in this area.

“It has been such a great honor to practice alongside Dr. Kim and see the lasting impact he has had on our patients, residents, and research endeavors,” said James A. Bonner, M.D., chair of the UAB Department of Radiation Oncology. “We thank him for the tremendous work he has done to establish a culture of excellence in our department. As professor emeritus, he will continue to be of great service to our faculty, trainees, and staff.”

In 1970, Kim came to UAB for training in the Department of Pathology and began his residency in the Department of Radiation Oncology in 1972. After graduation from residency in 1975, Kim joined the Department of Radiation Oncology as an instructor. He moved up the ranks to become a full professor in 1989.

In 2007, an endowed chair was named in Kim’s honor, The Robert Y. Kim Outstanding Educator Endowed Chair in Radiation Oncology, for his exceptional commitment to the education of physicians. In 2021, the department established the Robert Y. Kim Alumni Society in his name, paying tribute to his outstanding mentorship.

Kim holds fellowships in both the American College of Radiology and the American College of Radiation Oncology and has authored 94 published manuscripts, 119 abstracts, two book chapters, and one book during his career.

He was a senior scientist in the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB from July 2019 to December 2022. He has held professional consultantships with Cooper Green Hospital, UAB Hospital, UAB Callahan Eye Foundation, and the Veteran Affairs (VA) Medical Center. He has also served on the Cooper Green Hospital Cancer Committee, the VA Cancer Committee, Radioisotope and Radiation Safety Committee, and the UAB Cancer Committee.

Kim also served as a member of numerous scientific, professional, and honorary societies including The Medical Association of the State of Alabama, Alabama Society of Radiation Oncologists, American Brachytherapy Society, American Medical Association, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG). In 2000, he was awarded membership into ASTRO’s Silver Pin Club. He has also served as president of the Korean American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (KASTRO), and as chairman of the KASTRO Board.

Kim continues to assist the department through faculty mentorship in his area of specialty, as well as in multidisciplinary clinic coverage as needed.

Read more about Kim’s career and research contributions in the winter 2023 issue of Rays of Hope magazine.