Early Life and Education
My name is Yoel Kim, and I am thrilled to be one of the new radiology fellows for the 2024-2025 academic year. My journey to this point has been shaped by a diverse and international upbringing. I was born in Southern California, but due to life circumstances, I spent a significant portion of my childhood overseas. From 1st to 12th grade, I attended boarding school in rural southwest Germany, in the heart of the Black Forest.
Growing up surrounded by nature had a profound impact on me. The lush forests of the Black Forest were my playground, where I spent countless hours climbing trees and building forts. These experiences fostered a deep appreciation for the outdoors, which continues to influence my hobbies and activities today.
Path to Medicine
Unlike some who can pinpoint a specific moment that sparked their interest in medicine, my journey was more gradual. Perhaps it was during high school that the idea took root, and it simply persisted through college and into medical school. What I do know is that the desire to help others and the fascination with medical science have been constant companions throughout my academic journey.
Professional Role
I am honored to be the Pediatric Interventional Radiology fellow. This role excites me immensely, as it offers the opportunity to train and learn from leading radiologists and clinicians at the forefront of pediatric medicine. I am eager to contribute to this dynamic field and to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young patients.
Personal Interests
Outside of my professional commitments, I cherish spending time with my family. We share a love for the outdoors, and whenever possible, we embark on backpacking and hiking adventures. These activities not only provide a wonderful way to connect with nature but also strengthen our family bonds.
In addition to outdoor pursuits, I enjoy fly fishing—a hobby that requires patience and precision, much like my work in radiology. During the pandemic, I discovered a passion for sourdough bread making, which has been a rewarding and delicious pastime.
As for guilty pleasures, I must confess to being a fan of “The Bachelor.” It’s my go-to escape for some light-hearted entertainment. And when it comes to reading, it’s been quite some time since I last picked up a book—perhaps around 15 years ago!
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on my journey from the Black Forest to the halls of pediatric interventional radiology, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences that have shaped me. I look forward to the coming year, eager to learn, grow, and make a positive impact in the field of pediatric medicine.
Glenn Miñano is a media specialist in the Department of Radiology, providing graphic design, photography, printing, video services, and administration of the department’s online properties. His works have been published in several medical articles, such as the American Journal of Radiology and the American Institute of Ultrasound. He has been providing these services to the Radiology Department since 1996.
Meredith Towbin is a freelance copy editor and writer. She has copyedited the Department of Radiology’s blog since it launched. She also works as a copy editor for the home improvement website BobVila.com. Her writing has been featured on HuffPost as well as other writing sites.
