Wednesday, June 25, 2003

Dr. Chyung Kim Given Key to city of Riverdale

In a surprise visit, Mayor Mary Lee presented Dr. Chyung Kim, a local pediatrician, with a key to the city of Riverdale for his tireless efforts with his patients in the Southern Crescent. Dr. Kim is the first doctor from his native Korea to practice medicine in the metro Atlanta area.

"With the 17 years I've been mayor, I've only given 10 of these away. I'm giving you a key to the city, so you'll never be lost and will always have a place to go," said Lee. "This key is given to you so that you can always find your way back to the city of Riverdale."

More than 20 people were in attendance for the surprise presentation, including fellow physicians, patients and former staff members.

Janet Crump, RN, who also works in his office, said, "I get a lump in my throat just thinking about him leaving. I've never met a man that's been so dedicated and loving. At every staff meeting, he told us, 'Our patients are most important. They are why we are here today.' He's just relentless in getting the best care for his patients."

Earlier in the day, Southern Regional Health System President and CEO Ed Bonn presented Dr. Kim with a plaque, thanking him for his years of service.

In his acceptance speech, Kim noted, "I am really honored by this occasion. We have been together for over 30 years. I thank you very much! I really treasure my experience at Southern Regional. It's been a really happy time for me, especially in watching the hospital grow over the years."

Several of the pediatricians Dr. Kim mentored over the years were also in attendance. Pointing at them across the room, he said humbly, "These pediatricians are 100 times better than we were. I am really happy about all the wonderful pediatricians here now who are making this hospital a super place!"

Southern Regional Health System offers comprehensive health resources, including: Southern Regional Medical Center, a 406-bed, full-service hospital in Riverdale, featuring a state-of-the-art outpatient surgery center; The Women's Life Center; a Diabetes Resource Center and one of the busiest emergency departments in the state. Southern Regional also provides mental health, home health care, substance abuse treatment and surgery efforts through RiverWoods, Southern Regional Psychiatric Center; Southern Regional Homecare; and the Surgery Center at Mount Zion, located in Morrow.