Sun Young Kim, MD, PhD

I am a cancer geneticist and researcher providing clinical services for patients with cancer predisposition syndromes and neurofibromatosis. When I see patients with cancer, not only do I focus on identifying cancer predisposition genes, but I also do all the genetic evaluations indicated. I also see patients of all ages with various genetic disorders in the General Genetics Clinic. I am board certified in Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, and Genetic Medicine.

Unfortunately, not all patients with cancer diagnosis have a good prognosis. I am interested in how we can make changes based on the information on each cancer predisposition gene for the early detection of cancers through appropriate screenings. Some of the genetic information can guide individualized treatment as well. The first thing I usually do in the morning is go to PubMed and search 'cancer predisposition syndrome.' When I find exciting publications worth sharing, I email colleagues to inform them.

My research focuses on characterizing prevalence, specific cancer phenotypes, penetrance, and survival rates of individuals who carry cancer predisposition genes. My goal is to help set up detailed and appropriate screening guidelines for cancer predisposition syndromes as we continue to find new genes associated with cancer predisposition syndromes. I spent over a year at the National Cancer Institute participating in cancer genetics research.

I like watching Korean dramas and walking by the river near downtown Cincinnati. I enjoy meeting and chatting with people over a cup of coffee.