7 minute read
The Kim Family: The Perfect Blend of Family, Values and Fun!
Resident Feature by Sheila Turner-Hilliard
Photos by Sierra Clark Photography www.SierraClarkPhoto.com
Thanks to Alpha Century Security of Newtown Square for sponsoring our Resident Feature.
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We are delighted to introduce you to The Kim Family, whose strong commitment to family, values, and heritage mixed with fun is the foundation for their success.
Philip and Claire Kim moved to Newtown Square 15 years ago. Their paths first crossed in Philadelphia while they were both working in the medical field. After getting married, they decided to start searching for their forever home.
Knowing they wanted to raise their children in the suburbs, Claire and Philip chose Newtown Square for its beauty, mature trees, friendly faces and quality educational opportunities. They’re pleased to share their story here because they love that the Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine celebrates families in our closeknit community, and flipping through the pages reminds them of the many activities, restaurants and walking paths Newtown Square has to offer.
Philip and Claire Kim with their Chocolate Lab Leah
Philip grew up in Potomac, Maryland, after his parents emigrated from South Korea. For high school, he attended Landon School for Boys, and then graduated from Vassar College with a major in Cognitive Science. He subsequently did a neuroscientist research fellowship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) before entering Loyola University’s medical school, where he developed an interest in anesthesiology and pain medicine. This led him to the University of Pennsylvania, where he stayed on staff as an Assistant Professor after his residency and fellowship.
In 2002, Dr. Kim entered private practice with a focus on pain medicine primarily on interventional spine and pain techniques. He is the CEO and the founding member of the Center for Interventional Pain and Spine. He also serves on the editorial staff for numerous medical journals including Regional Anesthesiology and Neuromodulation. He has received a Master of Science degree in Functional and Metabolic Medicine, and is board-certified in Integrative Medicine. Dr. Kim, who is recognized for his specialty in neuromodulation therapies and intrathecal drug delivery systems, is passionate about increasing the overall quality of life for his patients, many of whom come to him when all other pain management methods have been exhausted.
Dr. Kim's passion for helping others beyond their physical ailments stems from watching his father, a gastroenterologist in private practice for over 50 years. “I grew up watching my father treat his patients with genuine care and concern,” he said. “He always stressed to me how important it was to give his patients his time and sincere attention.” Dr. Kim believes that while relieving his patients’ pain is important, equally so is helping them heal from the physical and mental stress brought on by their condition. He passionately believes that to effectively lend his advice, he must not only educate, he must also lead by example. This comprehensive approach has earned him numerous awards and praise from his patients and their families.
Although Philip often finds himself in the spotlight for his accomplishments, he wants to give credit where the real credit is due. “My wife Claire is the one who deserves the accolades,” he said. “She’s the one who allows me to do what I need to do to succeed.”
Claire grew up in the Lehigh Valley, with her parents and one sister. When she attended Lehighton Area High School, she was a majorette captain and was also on the debate team. Claire later attended La Salle University, earning her BSN with a focus in cardiac surgery. While she enjoyed and excelled at her work as an open-heart surgery nurse, she now serves as the Kim household’s CEO, a role that Philip feels isn’t as appreciated and celebrated as it should be these days. “Too much value is placed on the one working outside the home, when in reality, having a loving and supportive family is often the secret to success,” he says.
Philip and Claire have three children: Alex, Keira and Grant.
Alex Kim
Alex is a recent graduate of Temple University who majored in Graphic Design. Although he missed out on a traditional graduation last spring due to COVID-19, Alex now lives with some friends and works in Philadelphia. In his spare time, he enjoys running, fencing and advocating for causes he finds meaningful.
Keira and Grant Kim
Keira is a quiet yet competitive 13-year-old who loves real estate, interior design, dogs and the beach. Her parents say she has an inner strength that is quite remarkable. In fact, she took them all by surprise two years ago by being the first in line to jump off a 50-foot cliff into the water while on an excursion in Mexico!
Their son Grant is 11 years old and loves all things sports, especially running, soccer and karate. And although he has an easy-going and empathetic personality, Grant thrives on competition, and recently earned his black belt in karate.
Last but certainly not least is the Kim Family’s loyal friend and protector, Leah, an 8-year-old Chocolate Lab who is adored by all.
In addition to managing a busy household, Claire is a certified yoga instructor and enjoys working out and cooking healthy meals. “I also love to bake,” she said. “A few of my favorites are banana bread, flourless chocolate cake and brownies with a little bit of spinach mixed in.” (Don’t worry, Claire, we won’t tell the kids about the spinach!) She credits her cooking and baking abilities to her wonderful parents. “Growing up, we always had healthy home-cooked meals, and their continued love, support and positive influence continues to be present in our lives. They are proud grandparents who not only love spending time with the kids, they tell the best bedtime stories!”
The Kim's commitment to each other and their family is admirable and inspiring. While Claire and Philip both respect and appreciate the daily work they each put into the household, they make sure they prioritize family fun and fitness! On weekends, you’ll find the Kims taking walks and riding bikes around the neighborhood. Philip is an avid runner who has competed in four Philadelphia Triathlons. And just like Grant, he also has his black belt in karate.
They all love the beach as much as Keira, and Avalon is their favorite Jersey shore vacation spot. Water skiing? Tubing? No problem! Claire’s parents live in the Poconos and they own a boat, so any type of water sport is right up their alley, too.
The Kim Family at their home in Newtown Square, with their Chocolate Lab Leah
Along with staying physically active, the Kim Family places a lot of emphasis on blending their diverse backgrounds and teaching their children to value their roots. Claire’s family hails from Czechoslovakia, and Philip’s is from Korea. Two vastly different cultures, for sure, but each has beliefs and traditions well worth passing on and celebrating. Their children are taught to speak up for themselves because their voice matters (they get that from their mom). They’re also taught to always be respectful of their elders, as is expected in their Korean culture.
The Kim Family really does have the perfect recipe for living life to the fullest: Add a little hard work, determination and mutual respect, then sprinkle in some family, fun, fitness and a little spinach. Mix it all together and Voila! Life is a lot more delicious — and fulfilling!
Do you know a Newtown Square resident, family, senior or nonprofit organization who should become known by our community? Make your nominations for upcoming magazine features by emailing your ideas to Sheila Turner-Hilliard at STurnerHilliard@BestVersionMedia.com.
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