Eastern Radiologists is proud to welcome Jessica Kim, DO, a musculoskeletal radiologist, who joined our practice in September 2019. She attended medical school at A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her diagnostic radiology residency at Beaumont Hospital in Dearborn, Michigan, and her musculoskeletal radiology fellowship at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan.

What attracted you to Greenville?

The weather! I was in North Carolina for the Duke radiology review course in the spring of 2017 taking a jog outside in the 70-degree weather. I called my husband to get an update on the family back home in Detroit, only to find out that a recent ice storm had caused a city-wide power outage leaving him and my three-year-old son huddling in sleeping bags and blankets in the living room in order to stay warm. All the back-up generators from Detroit to Lansing were sold out! It was at that moment I decided I wanted to move to North Carolina.

What led you to choose Musculoskeletal Radiology for your specialty?

My interest in the musculoskeletal system was partially influenced by my exposure to osteopathic manipulative therapeutic techniques during my DO (Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine) training. During residency, I always found MSK (musculoskeletal) imaging the most fun and enjoyable for a multitude of reasons.

You have experience and a special interest in MSK ultrasound. Please tell us more about that specialty. 

I trained at Henry Ford Hospital with Dr. Van Holsbeeck. He is one of the most intelligent but humble radiologists I have ever met, and he is one of the leading pioneers in MSK ultrasound in the United States, as well as internationally. His enthusiasm for MSK ultrasound is contagious. I was attracted to the Henry Ford program because I wanted to be well versed in all imaging modalities related to MSK radiology. A great asset of MSK ultrasound is the real-time dynamic information you can gather during an examination. It can serve as an imaging modality suited for patients who cannot have MRI examinations, for example, patients with hardware limitations. Detailed analysis of small anatomic structures is possible with the high spatial resolution this modality affords. There is no radiation exposure as with other imaging techniques. I enjoy performing ultrasound guided procedures, and it allows for direct interaction with the patients, which I enjoy. I believe offering MSK ultrasound to our providers and ultimately our patients, will enhance the MSK services we provide.

How do you spend your free time?

I usually answer that question in two parts – before kids and after kids.  I have three children; they are ages 5, 3, and 11 months. After kids, I spend my free time sleeping. Before I had my kids, I was very active in sports and music. I played in a community orchestra. Together, my husband and I played volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, golf, tennis, bowling, and ping-pong. I can tell you finding time to play 18 holes with three kids is near impossible. However, a memorable experience was, in fact, the last time I played a round. We were in Northern Michigan for a family vacation near Arcadia Bluffs – the number one ranked public golf course in Michigan. Despite being 6 ½ months pregnant I made it a point to play that course before leaving the state. I put on my belly brace and took to the first tee. Being that pregnant definitely changes your golf swing dynamics, but it was worth it.

You mentioned that you are an “army brat”, how did it influence your perception of the world?

Moving frequently throughout my childhood from one military base to another was challenging in many respects, but, I was exposed to several cultures while living in or traveling through different states and countries at a young age. I think that experience positively influenced my perspective on many things and my outlook on life in general. I definitely think it helped with building my interpersonal skills, cultural acceptance and understanding at an earlier age than most. I hope to provide my children similar opportunities to broaden their horizons through future travels together.