1 – Q) Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
A) A new gastroenterology office, the Gastroenterology & Motility Center, has recently opened in Miramar, Florida. We offer comprehensive care for general gastroenterology issues, also known as disorders in digestive tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, gallbladder and colon. We offer procedures such as screening colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, tissue cypher for Barret’s esophagus, reflux testing, capsule endoscopy as well as anorectal manometry. Manometry is a specialized procedure, and not all gastroenterologists are trained in it offer it in their practice. Manometry involves measuring the pressure and muscle function in various parts of the gastrointestinal tract, such as the esophagus, to assess conditions like achalasia, esophageal motility disorders, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as well as measures the function of the muscles in the rectum and anus, helping to diagnose disorders like fecal incontinence or constipation, and assessing pelvic floor dysfunction. At present, we offer anorectal manometry, but we will soon be adding esophageal manometry to our services.
2 – Q) Kindly give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
A) Dr. Kim, originally from Korea, has had a diverse and international journey in her life. As for her medical career. She completed her medical education at the University of Sydney, followed by residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Jacobi Medical Center. Dr. Kim then pursued a gastroenterology fellowship at Jackson Memorial Hospital in collaboration with the University of Miami. She further honed her expertise with clinical training at Washington University in St. Louis through the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society.
Dr. Kim previously served as the co-director of the motility lab at Cleveland Clinic Florida, where she played a key role in optimizing protocols and enhancing the lab’s operations. After her time at Cleveland Clinic, she transitioned into private practice. However, when faced with a family illness, Dr. Kim realized the need for greater flexibility to balance her responsibilities as a daughter while continuing to pursue her medical career. This personal shift led her to explore the possibility of becoming an entrepreneur, seeking a path that would offer her the flexibility to meet her family’s needs while still making an impact in the healthcare field.
3 – Q) What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
A) I am a driven, organized individual who values efficiency, structure, and doing things to a high standard, especially as a working mother balancing career and family responsibilities. Wanting to be “the boss” of my work made perfect sense in this context—taking ownership of my career and the way things are done can help ensure that my professional and personal goals are met with the attention and quality they deserve.
4 – Q) What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
A) Never stop learning and evolving. Opening my own practice has been a journey full of lessons I never knew existed before. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to grow. Focus on building strong relationships and networks—these are invaluable assets that can make all the difference. And embrace flexibility and innovation, because as an entrepreneur, you have the power to shape your path, adapt to change, and create solutions that truly meet the needs of your patients and your business.
5 – Q) What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
A) I believe the three key skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur are financial management and strategic planning, networking and relationship building, and adaptability and problem solving. These skills are crucial for navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, driving growth, and creating sustainable success.
6 – Q) How many hours do you work a day on average?
A) I typically work between 8 to 12 hours on my workdays, but I make it a priority to spend quality time with my children and family on Friday evenings and weekends. Balancing my professional commitments with family time is important to me, as it helps me recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
7 – Q) To what do you most attribute your success?
A) I would attribute my success to a combination of resilience, continuous learning, and strong relationships. Resilience has allowed me to navigate the inevitable challenges and setbacks that come with entrepreneurship, always bouncing back with new insights and strategies. Continuous learning—whether through formal education, mentorship, or hands-on experience—has been key to adapting to new opportunities and challenges. And, of course, the relationships I’ve built along the way, whether with clients, colleagues, or mentors, have been invaluable in providing support, guidance, and collaboration. Especially having my husband and family around who is always supportive of what I do. These three pillars have been essential in shaping my journey and helping me achieve success.
8 – Q) How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
A) I’ve been visiting primary care physicians to introduce myself as the new gastroenterologist in town. In addition, I’m partnering with a company to improve my search engine optimization (SEO) efforts.
9 – Q) Where did your organizations funding/capital come from and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain investors for your venture?
A) I worked as a locum tenens to fund my business.
10 – Q) What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
A) To achieve long-term success as an entrepreneur, especially in healthcare, I believe the most important value is maintaining a high standard of patient care. By prioritizing patients and ensuring I meet their needs, trust, loyalty, and long-term relationships will naturally develop over time. Networking and building a reputation for reliability, empathy, and professionalism is also key, as it helps create a strong support system and a consistent flow of referrals and opportunities. Additionally, adopting new technologies, improving practice processes, and finding creative solutions to challenges are essential for staying competitive. Continuous learning and staying ahead of industry trends will allow me to remain at the forefront of my field.
Burnout can hinder long-term success, so it’s crucial to maintain a healthy work-life balance to stay energized, prevent exhaustion, and make sound decisions. Prioritizing self-care and carving out time for family, hobbies, and personal growth are essential. By continually offering value, staying flexible, managing finances wisely, and fostering strong relationships, you’ll create a foundation for sustainable growth and lasting success. Remember, success is a marathon, not a sprint, and investing in that foundation today will yield rewards for years ahead.
11 – Q) Where you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
A) As a general gastroenterologist but also as a gastroenterologist with a specialized focus on neurogastroenterology and motility disorders, I will continue to treat a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions, including achalasia, dysphagia, GERD, and other motility- related disorders of the esophagus and pelvic floor. My expertise in this field will enable me to offer comprehensive care for patients with complex GI symptoms, while developing individualized treatment plans that aim to improve both digestive function and overall quality of life. In the future, I am committed to staying at the forefront of advancements in GI care, incorporating new technologies and approaches to ensure the best outcomes for my patients.
12 – Q) How important have good employees been to your success?
A) Having a strong team is absolutely essential to my success. The right employees not only contribute to the smooth operation of the practice but also play a critical role in delivering high-quality patient care. A dedicated, skilled team creates a positive work environment, improves efficiency, and helps ensure that patients receive the best possible experience. Ultimately, the success of my practice relies on the collective effort and expertise of every team member.
13 – Q) What motivates you?
A) The love of what I do is what truly motivates me. Passion for helping patients and making a difference in their lives drives me to continually improve and give my best every day. It’s this deep connection to my work that fuels my dedication, keeps me focused, and inspires me to overcome challenges in order to provide the best care possible. I have been attending neurogastroenterology and motility meetings every year since 2017. These conferences provide valuable opportunities to stay updated on the latest research, advancements, and treatment techniques in my field, allowing me to continually enhance my expertise and offer the best care to my patients.
14 – Q) What are your ideals?
A) In motility studies, I adhere to a strict set of standards and protocols to ensure the highest quality results. My goal is to provide patients with the most accurate and reliable studies, allowing for precise diagnoses of their conditions. By maintaining these high standards, I aim to deliver the best possible care and outcomes for my patients, ensuring they receive the most effective treatment plans based on their individual needs.
15 – Q) How do you generate new ideas?
A) New ideas often come from a variety of sources. I value feedback from my team and patients, as their perspectives help me identify areas for improvement and inspire new approaches. Being open-minded, staying curious, and continuously informed about the latest trends and research in the field also sparks creativity. Additionally, engaging in conversations with other gastroenterologists and participating in professional groups provides valuable insights and helps generate fresh ideas for enhancing patient care and improving practice operations.
16 – Q) How do you define success?
A) For me, success means achieving a balance between professional growth and personal fulfillment. It’s about making a positive impact in the lives of my patients, providing high-quality care, and continuously improving in my field. Success also involves maintaining a healthy work-life balance, nurturing meaningful relationships, and having the flexibility to pursue personal interests and spend time with loved ones. Ultimately, success is about being fulfilled in both your career and personal life, feeling proud of your contributions, and striving for continual growth and improvement.
17 – Q) How do you build a successful customer base?
A) Starting with exceptional service, it’s essential to build trust and strong relationships with our patients. Over time, this foundation leads to word of mouth and referrals, which, when coupled with consistent care and service, will help develop a successful and loyal customer base.
18 – Q) What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
A) My favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur is the freedom to create and innovate. I love having the ability to shape my practice in a way that reflects my values, vision, and expertise. This includes the freedom to explore new ideas, implement improvements, and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of healthcare. The opportunity to build meaningful relationships with patients, colleagues, and my team, while also having a direct impact on the quality of care and patient outcomes, is incredibly rewarding. Ultimately, the ability to make decisions that align with my passion for helping others and to create a practice that truly reflects my goals and values is what I find most fulfilling.
19 – Q) What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
A) The major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else lies in the level of control and responsibility. Entrepreneurs are typically responsible for every aspect of their business—from strategy and operations to financial decisions and customer satisfaction. They have the freedom to make decisions, set their own vision, and take risks, but they also bear the responsibility for the outcomes of those decisions. I truly appreciate the autonomy and responsibility that come with being an entrepreneur, especially the ability to run my practice in a way that I believe is best for my patients. This freedom allows me to make decisions that prioritize patient care and implement strategies and practices that align with my values and vision. Being able to shape the direction of the practice and see the direct impact of those decisions on patient outcomes is incredibly fulfilling and motivates me to continually improve and innovate.
20 – Q) What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone and why did you institute this particular type of culture?
A) A friendly, collaborative environment paired with a strong work ethic. A supportive atmosphere fosters teamwork and growth, while a driven mindset ensures dedication and persistence in achieving goals.
21 – Q) In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.
A) Empowering
22 – Q) Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?
A) By focusing on these key areas—finding purpose, offering value, staying adaptable, and practicing discipline—one can build a solid foundation for entrepreneurial success. It’s a process that requires continuous learning, hard work, and perseverance, but with the right mindset and strategies in place, long-term success is achievable.
23 – Q) Who has been your greatest inspiration?
A) My greatest inspiration comes from the people I serve—my patients. Their resilience, strength, and trust in me drive me to be the best professional I can be. I’m also inspired by the continuous opportunity for learning and growth in my field, as well as by those who have mentored and supported me along the way. Ultimately, it’s the combination of helping others, pursuing excellence, and constantly evolving that fuels my passion and keeps me inspired.
24 – Q) What book has inspired you the most? (OR what is your favorite book?)
A) “The Alchimist” by Paulo Coelho, book about idea of pursuing your personal legend—your true calling or life’s purpose—and staying true to your dreams, no matter the obstacles.
25 – Q) What makes you happy?
A) Spending time with my family brings me true happiness. It’s the moments of connection, support, and shared experiences that make life fulfilling and provide a sense of balance and joy.
Doing my job as a professional brings me great happiness. The sense of purpose and fulfillment I get from helping others and continually growing in my field motivates me and gives me a deep sense of satisfaction.
