Dr. Shirley Kim, MD

Dr. Shirley Kim, MD is a Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care at her clinic in Gainesville, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is committed to creating personalized preventive care plans for each patient. Internists are your primary partners in lifelong health, creating comprehensive preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing complex adult diseases to ensure your overall wellness and optimal long-term health. She serves adults (18 years and older) and welcomes the opportunity to support your journey toward a healthier future. Please call (352) 265-0651 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Shirley Kim, MD is an internist in Gainesville, FL, affiliated with UF Health Shands Hospital. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, reflecting her commitment to excellence and rigorous standards in medical practice. Her approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She prioritizes creating a supportive and understanding environment where patients feel comfortable and confident in their health journey. Dr. Shirley Kim provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Shirley Kim is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Shirley Kim can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Shirley Kim provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• All Headaches (incl. Migraine): Managing headaches through lifestyle changes and medication, when necessary, can help prevent more severe problems in the future.
• Asphyxia and Hypoxemia: Early detection of conditions that can lead to asphyxia and hypoxemia, such as sleep apnea, is crucial for preventing serious health complications and improving quality of life.
• Constipation: Managing constipation proactively through diet and lifestyle changes is a key aspect of preventive health, reducing your risk of complications like fecal impaction and abdominal discomfort.
• Dehydration: Staying well-hydrated is a simple yet crucial step in preventing many health problems, as dehydration can worsen existing conditions and trigger new ones.
• Joint Pain: Managing joint pain effectively, often through lifestyle changes and medication, is crucial for preventing disability and maintaining your overall well-being.
• Long COVID Disorder: Addressing Long COVID symptoms promptly through proactive healthcare reduces the risk of developing long-term complications like fatigue and organ damage.
• Shortness of Breath: Shortness of breath shouldn't be dismissed; it could signal a heart, lung, or other serious condition, emphasizing the need for regular preventive care to manage and mitigate risk.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: Early detection and management of tobacco use disorder can prevent or delay the onset of many chronic diseases and improve your quality of life.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and practicing good bladder habits are key preventive measures to minimize your risk of UTIs.
• Venous Embolism and Thrombosis: Preventing blood clots, or venous thromboembolism (VTE), is crucial for maintaining your overall health and preventing serious complications like strokes or heart attacks.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Shirley Kim offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): This simple blood test helps your doctor check your blood's oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, giving them a clear picture of your lung and kidney function and helping to prevent serious complications.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Protecting yourself from serious heart problems begins with an EKG; this screening helps identify potential risks and allows for early diagnosis and treatment.
• Tube Feeding: For individuals struggling to consume adequate nourishment, tube feeding offers a way to maintain a healthy weight and prevent malnutrition.
• Cyst Incision and Drainage: This proactive procedure helps identify and treat cysts early, avoiding more extensive interventions and potential complications down the line.
• Muscle-Testing With Torque Curves During Isometric and Isokinetic Exercise: Take a proactive step towards better health by undergoing muscle testing, which helps identify potential muscle weaknesses and prevents future injuries.
• Herpes Simplex Screening: Early detection of herpes simplex through screening allows for effective management and reduces the chance of long-term health issues.
• Environmental Allergy Testing: Invest in your well-being with environmental allergy testing: discover specific allergens affecting your health and develop a personalized plan to minimize exposure and improve your comfort.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Internal Medicine Physicians in Florida.

Dr. Shirley Kim is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Adult Patient's life:

• By identifying and addressing headache triggers, a patient significantly reduced their migraine frequency and experienced improved quality of life, empowering them to proactively manage their health.
• By proactively addressing potential sleep apnea, a patient significantly reduced their risk of asphyxia and hypoxemia, fostering a healthier and more peaceful sleep experience. This proactive approach allowed the patient to focus on overall well-being and enjoy a higher quality of life.
• By incorporating fiber-rich foods and regular exercise into their daily routine, a patient successfully prevented constipation, enjoying a comfortable and healthy digestive system. This proactive approach reduced the risk of future discomfort and ensured a more enjoyable quality of life.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Internal Medicine care with Dr. Shirley Kim:

What is an Internist, and how are they different from a Family Physician?

An internist, like Dr. Kim, is a primary care doctor who specializes in the care of adults. While family physicians treat patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and managing the many conditions affecting adults.

How does Dr. Shirley Kim manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Kim excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing medication regimens, and focusing on your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Kim's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan. This partnership involves key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate) tailored to individual needs. The goal is to proactively minimize health risks and support healthy aging.

How do you help patients with healthy aging and geriatric concerns?

Dr. Kim's practice focuses on helping patients maintain their independence and function as they age. Key assessments include fall risk screening, cognitive health evaluations, and medication reviews to ensure safety and appropriateness for older adults. We work collaboratively with patients and their families to develop personalized strategies for healthy aging.

I have high blood pressure. What is your treatment philosophy?

Our goal is not just to lower your blood pressure numbers, but to prevent serious complications like heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We take a multi-faceted approach, starting with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and adding medication when needed to achieve a safe, personalized blood pressure target for you.

What is COPD, and how is it managed?

COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is a common lung disease, often related to smoking, that makes breathing difficult. Management focuses on preventing flare-ups with inhaler medications, providing oxygen when needed, and encouraging pulmonary rehabilitation.

How do you approach medication management, especially for patients on many prescriptions?

Dr. Kim takes a careful and thorough approach to medication management, especially for patients on many prescriptions. She regularly reviews all medications (polypharmacy management) to check for interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and simplify the treatment plan for maximum effectiveness.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Dr. Kim's practice emphasizes vaccinations as a key strategy for preventing serious illness in older adults. High-dose flu shots, Shingrix for shingles, and pneumonia vaccines like Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23 are particularly important to protect against complications.

1600 SW Archer Rd
Gainesville FL 32610
Phone: (352) 265-0651

Dr. Shirley Kim, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1083243356

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Internal Medicine Physicians like Dr. Shirley Kim are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your internal medicine physician about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.