Samaritan Welcomes Neurosurgeon Esther Kim, MD

Esther Kim, MD, has joined Samaritan Brain & Spine Center – Corvallis. She specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery and neurosurgery. 

She earned a bachelor’s degree at Johns Hopkins University and a medical degree at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She completed residency training at Loma Linda University Medical Center and a fellowship in neurosurgery at Swedish Medical Center – Seattle.

Dr. Kim actively pursues the latest procedures, technologies and information. Additionally, she is focused on patient safety initiatives to improve the quality of neurosurgery care.

From a young age, she dreamed of becoming a doctor.

“During my sixth-grade graduation speech, I said I wanted to be a cardiothoracic surgeon,” Dr. Kim recalled.

She chose Samaritan because the health system’s priorities are aligned with her own.

“Fostering community is important in my practice,” she said.

Although she works in a highly specialized field, Dr. Kim values all aspects that make up a person’s wellness.

“I care about my patients’ mental, emotional and physical health,” she said. “Making sure their support system is in place comes before any surgical intervention.”

On a personal note, Dr. Kim has French bulldogs that she likes to spoil. 

“We go on hikes and walks with their short little legs,” she said. 

Away from the office, she also enjoys knitting and spin class.

She can be reached by calling Samaritan Brain & Spine Center – Corvallis at 541-768-4501.