Prof. Kim Dong-ik

Prof. Kim Dong-ik is a senior Cardiac Surgeon at Samsung Medical Center (SMC) in Seoul, one of South Korea's most prestigious tertiary medical institutions and a leading destination for medical tourism in Asia. With over 35 years of experience in cardiothoracic surgery, Prof. Kim has performed thousands of complex cardiac operations and is widely recognised as a leading authority in the field of heart surgery in South Korea. Samsung Medical Center is affiliated with Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine and is internationally accredited, attracting patients from across Asia and beyond. Prof. Kim's surgical practice spans the full spectrum of adult cardiac surgery, with particular expertise in valvular heart disease, coronary revascularisation, and aortic surgery. He has been central to the development and refinement of cardiac surgical programmes at SMC and has trained numerous cardiac surgeons who now practise across South Korea and internationally. His commitment to research and innovation in surgical technique has kept his practice at the forefront of cardiac surgery.

Prof. Kim Dong-ik completed his MD degree from a leading South Korean medical school before undertaking residency and fellowship training in cardiothoracic surgery. He earned his PhD through research in cardiac surgical techniques, contributing original work that advanced the understanding of perioperative outcomes in cardiac patients. Prof. Kim completed advanced fellowship training in cardiac surgery at institutions in the United States and Europe, where he gained exposure to the latest techniques in valve repair and replacement, minimally invasive cardiac surgery, and aortic reconstruction. On returning to South Korea, he joined Samsung Medical Center where he has spent the majority of his distinguished career. He holds a professorial appointment at Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine and is actively involved in postgraduate surgical education and clinical research. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at major international cardiac surgery conferences.

Prof. Kim Dong-ik's surgical expertise covers the broad domain of adult cardiac surgery with specialised proficiency in three key areas. In valve surgery, he is experienced in both repair and replacement of mitral, aortic, and tricuspid valves, employing modern valve-preserving techniques where clinically appropriate. In coronary artery bypass surgery, he performs both on-pump and off-pump (beating heart) bypass grafting, and has extensive experience in complete arterial revascularisation using bilateral internal mammary and radial artery grafts. In aortic surgery, Prof. Kim manages complex aortic root aneurysms, ascending aortic aneurysms, and acute and chronic aortic dissections. He also performs combined cardiac and thoracic procedures and has experience in redo cardiac operations. His approach integrates intraoperative echocardiography, advanced myocardial protection strategies, and enhanced recovery pathways to maximise surgical safety and patient outcomes.

Samsung Medical Center is one of South Korea's premier destinations for international patients seeking high-quality cardiac surgery. SMC's Global Care Centre offers comprehensive services for overseas patients including pre-travel consultation, airport pickup, dedicated interpreters in multiple languages, and coordination of pre-operative tests. Prof. Kim Dong-ik's team is experienced in managing international patients and can communicate in English. South Korea's advanced healthcare infrastructure, internationally trained surgeons, and competitive treatment costs make it an attractive option for patients from across Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. International patients requiring cardiac surgery are advised to send recent cardiac investigation results including echocardiograms, coronary angiograms, and CT scans ahead of their visit so that Prof. Kim's team can conduct a thorough pre-operative assessment. Post-operative follow-up by telemedicine is available for patients returning to their home countries after recovery.

Prof. Kim Dong-ik has received multiple awards recognising his outstanding contributions to cardiac surgery in South Korea. He has been honoured by the Korean Society for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery for his clinical achievements and his role in advancing cardiac surgical standards nationally. Samsung Medical Center has recognised him for his contribution to building and leading its cardiac surgery programme to international standards. Prof. Kim has also received recognition from international surgical societies for his research publications and his participation in global efforts to improve cardiac surgery outcomes. His academic contributions at Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine have been commended through faculty excellence awards.