Fernando J. Kim, MD, MBA, FACS
Biography
After 23 years serving the underserved, vulnerable population of patients in Denver, CO, Dr. Fernando J. Kim, MD, MBA, FACS, retired from Denver Health Medical Center as the Chief Emeritus of Urology at Denver Health Medical Center, Professor of Surgery/Urology at the University of Colorado at Denver, and President-elect of the South-Central Section of the American Urological Association. Also, he is the Associate Editor of Journal of Urology Plus Open Access, AUA News in Portuguese and Patient Safety in Surgery. Dr. Kim earned his medical degree from the prestigious University of São Paulo School of Medicine in 1989, followed by a Trauma Fellowship at Denver Health Medical Center. He further honed his surgical skills finishing his General surgery and Urology residency at Loyola Medical School, then an Endourology and Laparoscopy Fellowship at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and received a Master degree in Business Administration in Healthcare from the University of Colorado School of Business.
Dr. Kim, an alumnus of the American Urological Association Leadership Program class of 2006, and an honorary member of the Korean Urological Association and Sociedade Brasileira de Urologia, significantly contributed to international collaboration as the American Urological Association’s Host Country Liaison from 2008 to 2023 culminating with the American Urological Association’s Presidential Citation for his international relations and contributions to Minimally Invasive Urological Surgery. His expertise garnered consistent recognition, with listings in the
Best Doctors in America by US News & World Report since 2008. Recipient of numerous awards, including the Presidential Juscelino Kubitschek Medal from the Society of Brazilian Urology, Dr. Kim is esteemed globally. His impact on urology and patient care is evident through recognitions like the Ernest E. Moore Trauma Award and the Societá Italiana di Urologia International Guest Recognition during their centenary anniversary. Dr. Kim was the recipient of several research grants from the annual fundraising event, John Elway's Hot Rocks Challenge. The grants were generously provided by notable individuals and groups, including Nene Hilario (an NBA player) and the family of Dr. John Hall (Nobel Laureate). With an impressive portfolio of over 200 published articles, book chapters, and monographs, Dr. Kim's contributions have been substantial. His groundbreaking efforts led to a remarkable transformation of the urological practice at Denver Health Medical Center, expanding the number of providers and creating a basic science and translational research laboratory. Dr. Kim also played a pivotal role in enhancing urological resident rotations by serving as the site residency director. Beyond his local impact, he has extended his influence globally by mentoring more than 12 international fellows. These individuals have since risen to leadership positions in their respective home countries, a testament to Dr. Kim's enduring mentorship and guidance.
Dr. Kim's retirement from Denver Health Medical Center marked the continuation of his mission, ensuring quality treatment for patients in need. He is now embarking on a new chapter as the Urologist at AdventHealth Tampa, a non-profit health system that aligns with Dr. Kim's beliefs and life mission. In this role, he will continue serving the community, including underserved patient populations, while also contributing to medical education and training.
