I went to Dr. Kim look for a fix for annular tears that were causing radiculopathy to my pelvis. Unfortunately, I contacted Dr. Goldstein first and because they, seemingly, work holding hands I was told that I had to have other tests that I didn't need to access spinal surgery that I did need. I tried to explain that regardless of what Goldstein did I still had a destroyed L5-S1 and needed surgery. He wouldn't do it. He also told me I needed an epidural steroid injection that is not FDA approved and I was contraindicated for. I went and got a few more opinions and had the disc replaced in Germany. It was torn in three places and the right side sequestered to completely flattening my nerves. He may be a fine surgeon but he's another walking doctor-God complex and there are plenty that are just as skilled, if not more, and they're accessible. He's not the end all be all, keep looking.

Submitted Sept. 1, 2022

I am not sure where to begin-I suffered for over a year and a half with severe back pain. I had several Epidurals - which worked for a short while and then things just got worse and worse. I was in so much pain day and night and then my friend recommend I call and get a phone diagnosis with Dr. Choll Kim. Besides being “over the top qualified” he was so reassuring over the phone and he felt he could really help me. Following our phone call - I went to see him and was immediately ready to do the surgery - I did not feel like I was a number - he was so gracious and reassuring - even though he said I wouldn’t like him for the first 3 months. It has been 6 months now and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of him and what he did for me - no pain - I have my life and smile back. He is the best!!!!

Submitted Feb. 22, 2017

In 2012, Dr. Kim treated me for severe pain in both my legs due to bulging L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1 discs with moderate bilateral neuroforaminal narrowing and a small posterior annular tear in one of the discs. I had sciatica pain for years, but it had become debilitating in 2012. Maintaining a normal life was nearly impossible with how much it hurt to drive a car more than a short distance and perform daily functions. Physical therapy and steroid injections did not help, and I had become nearly immune to certain pain killers. Dr. Kim turned all that around. I could not be more happy and satisfied with the care I received from Dr. Kim. Ultimately, Dr. Kim performed a minimally invasive discectomy on my L5-S1 disc, which eliminated the pain. I was impressed that Dr. Kim was confident that the pain originated from the L5-S1 disc, despite the MRI indicating that I had bulging from my L3-L4 and L4-L5 discs as well. He explained that it’s important to only operate on areas that are causing the pain in order to preserve the longevity of spinal health. If he were to operate on the asymptomatic discs, they may degenerate more quickly and become symptomatic. I was a unique patient in that I am an Air Force pilot that routinely experiences high g-force maneuvers, which puts significant stress on my back. Due to my condition, I was removed from flying status and needed Dr. Kim and his staff to help get me back on track. To make matters worse, I had to fly to San Diego for all of my appointments since I lived out of state, and had a limited amount of time to get the surgery and get my flying status back. Dr. Kim and his staff were always very willing to work with my unique situation and correspond electronically as much as possible. When I finally arrived for surgery, it couldn’t have gone more smoothly. I was able to walk out the same day as my surgery, which is a testament to the quality of Dr. Kim’s minimally invasive surgery techniques. The only pain during recovery was normal surgery pain, which was very tolerable. After my first check-up appointment, Dr. Kim prescribed physical therapy as a normal recourse. I had no complications during physical therapy. During subsequent follow-up appointments, I asked Dr. Kim if he would generate verbiage of my recovery for an Air Force flying waiver, which he was happy to do. His comments were key to me being granted a flying waiver. It was just under 4 months from the time of my surgery to me flying high performance aircraft again, which I could not have done without the support from Dr. Kim and his staff. It’s been over 4 years since the surgery and my back is still doing great. I have no pain and am still able to fly high performance aircraft. Without a doubt, I would not have been able to maintain my flying career in the Air Force without Dr. Kim’s expertise and his great support staff. I highly recommend Dr. Kim. He is highly experienced, very reasonable, and treats patients as family.

Submitted Jan. 31, 2017

I had a lumbar disc herniation that caused debilitating pain for six months. I could not sit or stand without excruciating pain. Surgery was my last option after months of physical therapy. Based on my research, I could see that Dr. Kim was one of the top spine surgeons in the country. Dr. Kim performed a microdiscectomy surgery to repair my disc herniation. The surgery was 100% successful and the results were immediate. It has been 2 1/2 years since my surgery and I have had no pain. Dr. Kim truly gave me my life back.

Submitted Jan. 25, 2017

Dr Choll Kim and colleagues did an excellent job realigning and repairing the lumbar area of my spine. I have suffered from severe scoliosis for about 40 years. I had 11 spinal fusions and castings as a youth to correct and stop the twisting of my spine but over the years much of the lumbar area broke down. I could hardly walk 3 years ago. Dr Choll Kim; with confidence and care, worked together with a team to clean up, reconstruct, stabilize and realign my lower back using a minimally evasive technique. I am now a strong, happy, healthy woman with hopes and dreams to pursue again. I have been given back quality of life.

Submitted Jan. 20, 2017

I am an orthopedic surgeon and came from Arizona for his care. I was quite pleased in every aspect! His staff was courteous and helpful. Dr Kim took time to listen to my concerns and address them thoroughly. I was back to work full time in 1 week!

Submitted Jan. 18, 2017

Dr Choll Kim was an awesome physician. I felt extremely confident going in for my neck surgery. The actual surgery took longer than expected and he personally called and also had the surgical team call to keep my wife Informed so she would not worry . His before care and after care was wonderful . My only frustration was his office doesn't answer the phone and wants you to communicate thru email. I would highly recommend Dr Choll Kim.

Submitted Jan. 17, 2017

Dr. Kim is very competent, brilliant and compassionate. He is one of the most talented surgeons I have been a patient of! I have had three previous back surgeries. This one was minimally invasive with a quick recovery and fantastic results!

Submitted May 30, 2016

After four previous back surgeries by other physicians that didn't work and left me in excruciating pain, Dr. Kim worked his magic. I wish I'd found him first. Beyond outstanding

Submitted May 25, 2016

Simply put Ourstanding..........................................................

Submitted April 28, 2016