Dr. Han Jo Kim, MD

Media Releases

Elevating Patient Care at the Hospital for Special Surgery with Expertise and Dedication

Dr. Han Jo Kim, an Attending Spine Surgeon, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and David B. Levine, MD endowed chair in Scoliosis at the prestigious Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York, New York.  He is known for his unwavering commitment to providing exceptional patient care and advancing the field of spinal surgery. With a focus on personalized treatment plans and utilizing the latest surgical techniques, he has established himself as a leading authority in adult and pediatric spinal deformity, scoliosis, and cervical spine surgery.

At HSS, Dr. Kim also serves as the Director of the Spine Fellowship and is the Chair of the Fellowship Committee.  He serves as the lead investigator for numerous research studies. 

A native of New York City, Dr. Kim received his Medical Degree from the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons before completing his internship at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and residency in orthopedic surgery at HSS. He further honed his expertise through specialized fellowships in adult and pediatric spinal deformity, scoliosis surgery, and cervical spine surgery at esteemed institutions such as Barnes-Jewish Hospital at Washington University in St. Louis.

Having visited and operated with leading spine surgeons in the United States and around the world, Dr. Kim was hired to come back to HSS in New York for his spinal deformity and cervical spine surgery expertise.

His dedication to teaching extends to his role as a Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College, where he mentors residents, fellows, and physician assistants in the intricacies of spinal surgery. 

Board certified in Orthopedic Surgery, Dr. Kim is a sought-after expert in the field, with memberships in prestigious organizations, including the Cervical Spine Research Society, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery, the American Orthopedic Association, the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons, the Scoliosis Research Society, Alpha Omega Alpha as well as the International Spine Study Group. 

Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Kim has published over 300 peer-reviewed scientific articles and contributed to more than 35 book chapters. Notably, he co-authored “The Riew-Kim Manual for Cervical Spine Surgery” with Dr. K. Daniel Riew, which is currently being prepared for publication. His expertise is widely recognized, leading international leaders in spine surgery to invite him, through the AO Spine Foundation, to author surgical reference guides for scoliosis surgery. 

Dr. Kim’s accolades include the prestigious Edgar G. Dawson Fellowship from the Scoliosis Research Society in 2013, the SRS Traveling Fellowship in 2017, and serving as the IMAST Chair for the Scoliosis Research Society in 2020.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Kim is deeply committed to giving back to underserved communities. As a volunteer surgeon at the FOCOS hospital in Ghana, West Africa, he has provided life-changing surgeries to patients with complex spinal deformities, showcasing his dedication to improving global access to quality healthcare.

Dr. Kim’s multilingual abilities, fluently speaking English, Spanish, and Korean, reflect his commitment to connecting with patients from diverse backgrounds and ensuring clear communication throughout their treatment journey. His tireless dedication to advancing spinal surgery, coupled with his compassionate approach to patient care, sets Dr. Han Jo Kim apart as a trusted and respected leader in the field.

Recommended Articles

• What are the Causes and Symptoms of Glaucoma?

  Glaucoma is a group of conditions that leads to the impairment of the optic nerve that carries information from the eyes to the brain. It is a progressive condition, which, if not treated, may lead to complete loss of vision. The most common cause of this damage is the increase in the pressure...

• What to Avoid if You have Osteoarthritis

  Refined CarbohydratesRefined carbohydrates provide calories but do not contain enough nutrients. Sugar and enriched flour are examples of refined carbohydrates. These ingredients can have a bad effect on blood sugar levels, energy, appetite, and mood. Healthcare providers recommend avoiding enriched...

• Everything You Need to Know About a Cholecystectomy

  Cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove a damaged gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small pouch-like organ found in the upper right part of your belly. The main function of the gallbladder is to store bile, which is a digestive fluid used in the breakdown of fats. Specifically,...

• What Causes Gastroenteritis?

  What is Gastroenteritis?Gastroenteritis refers to an infection of the gastrointestinal tract, and leads to inflammation of the stomach and the intestines. This irritation, characterized by nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, is also known as the stomach flu. The stomach flu entails severe diarrhea,...

• Five Tips for Living with Jaundice

  Jaundice is a condition that causes the yellowing of human skin as well as the whites of the eyes. Its main cause is the build-up of bilirubin, which is a key component of the human blood and tissues. Since this is a medical condition, understanding the signs, symptoms, and the type of jaundice is...

• What Causes My Ankles and Feet to Swell?

  We often see the troublesome swelling in our ankles and feet, which affects our movements. Fortunately, this swelling is not very serious and you shouldn't worry about it if you are physically active. If swelling is associated with serious symptoms, it does require medical attention as it may be an...