Dermatology

Jenny Kim Lab: About the PI

About Jenny Kim

Dr. Jenny Kim, M.D., Ph.D., earned her bachelor of arts in genetics at the University of California, Berkeley. During her undergraduate studies, she worked in the laboratory of Hitoshi Sakano, Ph.D., in the Department of Immunology and with Gertrude Buehring, Ph.D., in the School of Public Health.

Dr. Kim’s studies for her medical and doctoral degrees include the following:

  • She received her medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
  • Dr. Kim then combined her residency training in dermatology and her fellowship in Mohs micrographic surgery with a Ph.D. in immunology through the UCLA Specialty Training and Advanced Research (STAR) Program.
  • For her doctoral thesis under the mentorship of Robert L. Modlin, M.D., professor of the UCLA Division of Dermatology in the UCLA Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Dr. Kim studied host defense, both innate and adaptive immunity, in cutaneous inflammatory disorders.

In 2000, Dr. Kim joined the faculty in the UCLA Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology and currently is a professor of clinical medicine. She is also the clinical director of aesthetic surgery in Westwood.

Dr. Kim's laboratory is funded by the NIH/NIAMS R01. She is also a co-investigator for the NIH Human Microbiome Project Demonstration Project. Dr. Kim has received numerous other support for her research including the:

  • Dermatology Foundation Career Development Award
  • Stein-Oppenheimer Endowment Fund Award
  • Dermatologic Research Foundation of California Award
  • Dong Sung Pharmaceutical Research Award
  • Annenberg Foundation Award

At UCLA, Dr. Kim teaches medical students and residents. She is nationally recognized and lectures extensively in the United States and abroad at national and international meetings. She serves as a consultant and member of the scientific advisory board for a number of pharmaceutical companies.

Dr. Kim serves as a grant reviewer for the NIH/NIAMS section. She is an ad hoc reviewer for the Journal of Investigative Dermatology and editor of the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Surgery.

Among Dr. Kim’s memberships are:

  • Society for Investigative Dermatology
  • American Dermatologic Association
  • American Academy of Dermatology
  • Dermatology Foundation
  • American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
  • American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
  • American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Dr. Kim’s other work and interests include:

  • Philanthropic work: Although she is dedicated to her medical career, Dr. Kim balances her life with philanthropy. She founded Camp Wonder, a camp for children with severe skin disorders, 10 years ago.
  • Family life: She is devoted to her family, especially her two young daughters.
  • She is an advocate for women in medicine and science and women as leaders.
  • She is an active member of the Women's Dermatologic Association serving on the Community Service and Editorial Boards.
  • She is an advisory member on the Associate Dean's Faculty Partners for Diversity Group at UCLA School of Medicine.