Experiences from LA County to Vancouver Island: Dr. Dennis Kim’s Journey Across Borders
Interesting MD Episode 50 – Dr. Dennis Kim: Trauma, TikTok, and Transforming a Healthcare System
Introduction
Every episode, I walk away inspired by my guests, and this conversation with Dr. Dennis Kim is a perfect example. From gunshot trauma in L.A. to building a trauma program on Vancouver Island, and even TikTok fame—his journey is all about adaptability, purpose, and not losing your humanity under pressure.
Who is Dr. Dennis Kim?
Humble Canadian beginnings: Born and raised in Scarborough, Toronto
Undergrad at York University: Philosophy & Kinesiology major (not your usual premed!)
Medical school at McMaster: Chosen because MCATs weren’t required—love that honesty
Residency & beyond: General Surgery in Ottawa, Critical Care fellowship, then intensive trauma experience at UC San Diego
A decade at Harbor-UCLA: Where Dennis truly mastered trauma care, often seeing 1-2 gunshot wound cases per day
The Realities of Trauma: U.S. vs. Canada
Life in L.A. County Trauma Centers
Intensity & volume: Mass shootings and severe wounds were, unfortunately, common case material.
Systemic issues: Many patients were young, disadvantaged, often lacking insurance.
Public mission: County hospitals took everyone—regardless of ability to pay.
Contrast with Canada
Still busy, but different: Geriatric falls & motor vehicle accidents more common than gun violence.
Universal care: Similar “no one left behind” ethos, but less pressure from for-profit systems.
COVID-19: Making the Hardest Choices
Fear on the frontlines: Dr. Dennis Kim describes the genuine anxiety—risking his own health and that of his family. The “unknowns” were gut-wrenching.
Family impact: His wife and children relocated to Vancouver Island for safety and continuity when L.A. became an epicenter.
Reassessment: That stress prompted both of us to step back and rethink what matters—family, well-being, and the meaning of our work.
Rebuilding and Leading on Vancouver Island
Big challenges: The island’s trauma mortality rate was the highest in British Columbia.
Building a program: No formal trauma unit, fragmented pre-hospital communication, lack of awareness about trauma systems.
Change & results: Under Dennis’ leadership, mortality dropped from 15% to 8%. Standardized procedures, teamwork, and community engagement made a huge difference.
What’s Different about Canadian Healthcare?
No competition means…:
Less intense rivalry between hospitals (which can be good or bad).
Fewer financial resources, slower change.
Room for improvement: Sometimes the lack of “do better or die” competition means missed opportunities for innovation.
But it’s a supportive system with a sense of mission—and there’s always room for new ideas from “imports!”
Going Viral: The Trauma ICU Rounds TikTok Phenomenon
Challenge accepted: Dr. Dennis Kim started as a family dare. Kids said he couldn’t do it—he proved them wrong (200,000+ followers!).
Purpose: Medical education, surgical tips, and demystifying trauma careers—for both healthcare workers and the public.
Community impact: Shows the value of reaching future clinicians (and parents!) where they are now: online.
Advice for U.S. Docs Considering the Move
Things are changing fast: Licensure for U.S.-trained physicians is easier than it’s ever been—sometimes in as little as 4-6 weeks.
Opportunities abound: Especially if you want to build something meaningful, in a beautiful, safe community.
Bring your best ideas: Canada welcomes physicians with fresh energy, teamwork spirit, and ambition to improve care.
Lifestyle: Great for families—and let’s be honest, if you want mountains and clean air, BC can’t be beat!
Find Dr. Dennis Kim & Trauma ICU Rounds
Podcast: Trauma ICU Rounds (Apple, Spotify, etc.)
Socials: @TraumaICURounds on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube
For thought-provoking, accessible trauma education—and maybe some TikTok dances.
Final Thoughts
This episode is not just about trauma medicine. It’s about transformation at every level: professionally, personally, and even on social media. Dr. Dennis Kim is the kind of “builder” our systems need—willing to take risks, learn from other environments, and bring others along for the ride.
If you’re curious about moving, about trauma care, or just want inspiration, check out Dr. Dennis Kim—and let me know what you think about this episode.
Stay interesting,
Dr. Rob Beck
Questions or comments? DM me or email rob@interestingmd.com. And if you want to share your own story on Interesting MD, I’d love to hear from you.