MemorialCare President Returns to His Clinical Roots on Vietnam Mission Trip

David Kim, M.D., president, MemorialCare, joined Acts Ministry International and Church of Southland for a 10-day medical mission to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. For Dr. Kim, the trip was more than an opportunity to deliver medical care—it was a profound reminder of the universal need for compassion and the responsibility of leaders to serve with purpose.

For Dr. Kim, leading MemorialCare’s expansive medical network has always been about more than just logistics and operations. It’s about staying grounded in the “why.” In the ever-changing landscape of healthcare, Dr. Kim believes t’s essential to remember what first called him to serve. For him that clarity is what fuels a deeper kind of leadership, one rooted in faith, purpose, and human connection. Not just leading from a distance but by showing up with empathy, presence and a deep sense of responsibility to the community he serves. He believes that staying connected to his clinical roots, as a physician and leader, is what keeps his vision focused and his purpose clear.

His mission to Vietnam brought that vision to life. Over four days, Dr. Kim and a team of 16 volunteers transformed a local church into a makeshift clinic, providing medical care to individuals who otherwise lacked ready access to physicians. Working nine-hour days, the team treated a variety of ailments, including chronic pain, arthritis, anxiety, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues—conditions often left untreated in underserved communities.

“Witnessing the faith, resilience, and gratitude of these communities was humbling and inspiring. For many of the individuals we treated, this was their only opportunity to see a physician. It reminded me why I became a doctor—to serve and connect with people in their moments of greatest need.”

- Dr. Kim

The mission also included two days at a government-sponsored orphanage, where Dr. Kim and his team cared for over 100 children and staff members. Among the cases they encountered were outbreaks of scabies and chickenpox, as well as routine complaints like headaches and stomachaches. For Dr. Kim, this experience left a lasting impact.

“The children, many of whom had been rescued from the streets, radiated hope and joy despite their challenges. I’ll never forget the conversations I had with them. It reinforced that medicine isn’t just about treating symptoms—it’s about showing people they matter.”

- Dr. Kim

Dr. Kim’s extensive career has included transformative leadership roles, yet he believes that experiences like this mission are what ground him as both a physician and a leader. Serving on the front lines allowed him to reconnect with the essence of healthcare: compassion and connection.

“At the core of healthcare is human connection,” Dr. Kim said. “Whether I’m treating a patient in Vietnam or leading with MemorialCare, the goal remains the same: to care for people with love, compassion, dignity, and respect.”

As he continues to guide MemorialCare, Dr. Kim remains committed to inspiring the clinicians he leads to approach every patient interaction with the same sense of purpose and service, ensuring that healthcare remains a deeply human endeavor.