BOB体育

Gahyun 鈥淕igi鈥� Gim, MD, discovered her calling in gastrointestinal oncology during the third month of her internal medicine residency when she experienced a devastating personal loss: the sudden death of a close family member. The tragedy deepened her empathy and motivated her to care for patients and their families as they navigated some of life鈥檚 most difficult moments.

鈥淚 found meaning in my life by taking care of some of the sickest patients in oncology,鈥� said Dr. Gim, who recently joined the University of Florida College of Medicine as a clinical assistant professor in the Division of Hematology & Oncology. 鈥淏uilding rapport with patients and being part of their lifelong journey is incredibly meaningful to me.鈥�

After completing her residency at what is now Boston Medical Center 鈥� Brighton, then affiliated with Tufts University, Dr. Gim completed a fellowship in hematology and medical oncology at Wilmot Cancer Center at the University of Rochester.

She was drawn to gastrointestinal oncology because of its breadth 鈥� from esophageal to colorectal to pancreatic cancers. She was also attracted by the significant unmet needs in the field, particularly for aggressive diseases such as pancreatic and biliary tract cancers.

At BOB体育, Dr. Gim treats patients with all types of gastrointestinal cancers, including esophageal, stomach, pancreatic, hepatocellular, biliary, colorectal and anal cancers. Her research interests focus on upper gastrointestinal and pancreatobiliary malignancies.

One of her current projects investigates the role of circulating tumor DNA-derived tumor methylation scores as a potential predictive biomarker for cancer. She鈥檚 assessing their correlation with patients鈥� response to treatment and their use in monitoring treatment efficacy and survival. The research reflects her broader goal of identifying clinically meaningful, noninvasive tools that can lead to more effective and personalized care.

Dr. Gim has conducted research on a range of gastrointestinal malignancies. During her fellowship, she participated in clinical trials for locally advanced gastroesophageal junction and esophageal cancer, as well as rectal cancer. She has written review articles on stomach, esophageal and biliary cancers. Additionally, she was involved in a study evaluating real-world outcomes in gastrointestinal stromal tumors using patient advocacy registry data.

Dr. Gim鈥檚 personal experiences have shaped a deep empathy for patients and families facing life-altering diagnoses.

鈥淚 approach each patient encounter with thorough preparation and a commitment to understanding their individual stories, values and goals,鈥� Dr. Gim said. 鈥淢y care is highly personalized, taking into account not just the medical condition but also the whole person.鈥�

Dr. Gim is especially dedicated to supporting patients with advanced disease, helping them maintain quality of life and spend meaningful time with loved ones for as long as possible.

鈥淭his compassionate, patient-centered philosophy guides my work and reinforces my role as a steadfast partner throughout every stage of care,鈥� she said.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Gim enjoys high-intensity interval training workouts, attending church, spending time with friends, painting, exploring new restaurants and traveling with her fianc茅.