Kim hails from Dalton, Georgia, where her early experiences with pets and her bilingual family shaped her path to veterinary medicine. Growing up with parents from El Salvador, she witnessed firsthand the communication challenges that non-English speaking families face when seeking veterinary care. A transformative middle school visit to El Salvador, where she observed the plight of stray dogs and limited medical resources, ignited her passion for veterinary medicine.
During her undergraduate years at Dalton State College, from which she graduated in 2019, Kim gained diverse experience in animal care. She shadowed at various veterinary clinics, including a high-volume spay and neuter facility, volunteered at a wildlife rehabilitation center specializing in possum care, and completed an internship at Chattanooga Zoo. These experiences, particularly her work with exotic animals and wildlife, including turtles, broadened her interests in veterinary medicine beyond companion animals.
Kim is currently pursuing her veterinary degree at The University of Knoxville Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine with an expected graduation in 2025.
During her externship, she looks forward to expanding her experience with various species while bringing her unique perspective to patient care.
When not focused on her studies, Kim enjoys exploring new restaurants and seeking out warm-weather adventures.
