Hyundo Franz Kim, PhD, MSOM, LAc, has recently been named Assistant Dean of the Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Program (AHM) at National University of Health Sciences (NUHS). Dr. Kim, who previously served as Chief Clinician of the AHM Program at the NUHS Whole Health Center in Lombard, has been teaching at NUHS since 2007. 

“In my new role, I’m looking forward to the opportunity to not only use my skills in clinical teaching but also to bring new ideas into the program that will set NUHS apart from other institutions,” he said.  

Originally from Korea, Dr. Hyundo Kim came to the United States when he was 11 years old. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Illinois at Champaign and studied oriental medicine at Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine in California, graduating in 1998 with a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine. He earned his PhD at Sangji University in Wonju City, Korea, where he also taught medical terminology as well as classes in the theory of oriental medicine. 

Dr. Kim is an international leader in his profession. He is the international coordinator of the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, published by Elsevier, as well as secretary general of the International Pharmacopuncture Institute.   

As Assistant Dean, Dr. Kim’s immediate goals are to expose recent advancements in the field of acupuncture by working together with Pusan National University and also incorporate current research findings into the classroom. 

“We have some of the best acupuncture and herbal students here,” Dr. Kim said. “Their curiosity is the driving force for teaching standards at NUHS. One of the most rewarding aspects of working with students is how they grow and develop into competent practitioners. It is very rewarding when students come back after graduation and share their success stories.”