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David J. Kim, M.D.
Gastroenterologist

About David J. Kim, M.D.
Dr. Kim practices general gastroenterology and has a primary focus in liver diseases. He has written articles on hepatitis C and primary sclerosing cholangitis. He is a speaker in the community on liver issues. Dr. Kim maintains an appointment through Northwestern School of Medicine as a Clinical Affiliate in Hepatology.
Dr. Kim was recognized by Becker’s Healthcare as one of the top 120 GI Doctors to know in 2022.
Education
- Medical Education: New York Medical College, 1996
- Post-Graduate Training:
- Residency – Internal Medicine, Tufts – New England Medical Center, 1996 – 1999
- Fellowship – Gastroenterology, Tufts – New England Medical Center, 1999 – 2002
- Undergraduate Education: Duke University Durham, NC B.S. Neurobiology 1991
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, NC Graduate Courses in Neurobiology 1991-1992
Board Certifications
- American Board of Internal Medicine – Gastroenterology, 2002. Recertified in 2012.
Medical Societies
- American Gastroenterological Association
- American College of Gastroenterology
- American Association for the Study of Liver Disease
Awards & Recognitions
- One of the Top 120 Gastroenterologists to Know in 2022 – Becker’s Healthcare
- Chicago Magazine’s 2025 Chicago Top GI Doctor
Locations

GI Alliance of Illinois: Northwest Endoscopy Center
1415 South Arlington Heights Rd
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Phone: 847-439-1005
Dr. Kim is an amazing and incredibly responsible doctor! He literally saved me thousands of dollars and spared me from unnecessary fear and a possible scam.
Here’s the story: I initially saw a gastroenterologist because I was feeling discomfort in my stomach and gallbladder area. But instead of focusing on that, the doctor fixated on my family history of liver disease and ordered an ultrasound. The results showed my gallbladder was fine, but there was a suspected case of fatty liver. When I followed up, a nurse saw me, and instead of addressing my stomach issues, she kept pushing the idea that I had a liver problem. I repeatedly told her I was vaccinated for hepatitis B and didn’t live with anyone who had it, but she still insisted I get a full blood panel. She made it sound like my liver was in serious trouble and pressured me to see a specialist she referred me to. She was super pushy the whole time.
When my blood test results came back, she escalated things even more—telling me I might have some rare liver disease and once again pushing me to see her specialist and get an MRI, which would have been insanely expensive. She sent me multiple messages through the healthcare portal, repeatedly asking if I had made an appointment with the doctor she referred. I didn’t follow her “order” but spent months terrified, still dealing with my stomach discomfort, and even started feeling pain in my abdominal/liver area.
Then, during my annual physical, I mentioned all this to my primary care doctor, who referred me to Dr. David Kim. From the start, he was patient, professional, and thorough. He carefully reviewed my bloodwork, went over every single number with me, and reassured me that my liver was perfectly fine. He examined me, asked about my daily activities, and concluded that my abdominal pain was probably muscle-related (I’m pretty active, especially with core workouts). The condition is called anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome, and he even wrote it down for me, knowing I probably wouldn’t recognize the term and might want to Google it later. He also explained that an MRI wouldn’t have helped diagnose liver problems (which I also Googled and found to be true). To be extra sure, he ordered a FibroScan for my liver and an endoscopy for my stomach.
Dr. Kim never rushed me, answered each of my questions honestly, and made sure I fully understood everything. The final results? My liver was completely normal, and my stomach was also healthy. I don’t have fatty liver or any rare liver disease—just as Dr. Kim had suspected.
If you have any abdominal issues, I highly recommend Dr. Kim. He’s not only incredibly professional but also ethical, honest, and won’t push unnecessary tests or treatments. He even performed my endoscopy so smoothly that I had zero discomfort afterward (unlike my first one with another doctor, which left me with stomach pain for six months).
Lastly, if a health practitioner ever pressures you or makes your condition sound worse than it is, take a step back and get a second opinion. I honestly don’t know how to thank Dr. Kim enough—he’s truly a great doctor.
Here’s the story: I initially saw a gastroenterologist because I was feeling discomfort in my stomach and gallbladder area. But instead of focusing on that, the doctor fixated on my family history of liver disease and ordered an ultrasound. The results showed my gallbladder was fine, but there was a suspected case of fatty liver. When I followed up, a nurse saw me, and instead of addressing my stomach issues, she kept pushing the idea that I had a liver problem. I repeatedly told her I was vaccinated for hepatitis B and didn’t live with anyone who had it, but she still insisted I get a full blood panel. She made it sound like my liver was in serious trouble and pressured me to see a specialist she referred me to. She was super pushy the whole time.
When my blood test results came back, she escalated things even more—telling me I might have some rare liver disease and once again pushing me to see her specialist and get an MRI, which would have been insanely expensive. She sent me multiple messages through the healthcare portal, repeatedly asking if I had made an appointment with the doctor she referred. I didn’t follow her “order” but spent months terrified, still dealing with my stomach discomfort, and even started feeling pain in my abdominal/liver area.
Then, during my annual physical, I mentioned all this to my primary care doctor, who referred me to Dr. David Kim. From the start, he was patient, professional, and thorough. He carefully reviewed my bloodwork, went over every single number with me, and reassured me that my liver was perfectly fine. He examined me, asked about my daily activities, and concluded that my abdominal pain was probably muscle-related (I’m pretty active, especially with core workouts). The condition is called anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome, and he even wrote it down for me, knowing I probably wouldn’t recognize the term and might want to Google it later. He also explained that an MRI wouldn’t have helped diagnose liver problems (which I also Googled and found to be true). To be extra sure, he ordered a FibroScan for my liver and an endoscopy for my stomach.
Dr. Kim never rushed me, answered each of my questions honestly, and made sure I fully understood everything. The final results? My liver was completely normal, and my stomach was also healthy. I don’t have fatty liver or any rare liver disease—just as Dr. Kim had suspected.
If you have any abdominal issues, I highly recommend Dr. Kim. He’s not only incredibly professional but also ethical, honest, and won’t push unnecessary tests or treatments. He even performed my endoscopy so smoothly that I had zero discomfort afterward (unlike my first one with another doctor, which left me with stomach pain for six months).
Lastly, if a health practitioner ever pressures you or makes your condition sound worse than it is, take a step back and get a second opinion. I honestly don’t know how to thank Dr. Kim enough—he’s truly a great doctor.
Dr.Kim carefully listened to my health concerns. He recommended necessary action items and promptly communicated results to me after the procedure.
IF YOU LIVE IN THE CHICAGOLAND AREA...N/W SUBURBS!
Everyone...especially those of you over 40 - either sex who fear medical and specifically, colorectal-gastro medical, Dr. David Kim is truly a wonderful doctor. He took the entire experience and made it thorough, informative, professional but also, very personal. He took time. He reads your input to make an appointment go smoother. I truly like and admire Dr. Kim.
If you have not had a colorectal exam, do so! And, do it with Dr. Kim!
Everyone...especially those of you over 40 - either sex who fear medical and specifically, colorectal-gastro medical, Dr. David Kim is truly a wonderful doctor. He took the entire experience and made it thorough, informative, professional but also, very personal. He took time. He reads your input to make an appointment go smoother. I truly like and admire Dr. Kim.
If you have not had a colorectal exam, do so! And, do it with Dr. Kim!
I recently had a visit for a procedure with Dr. David Kim at Alexian Brothers Elk Grove Village hospital. The entire process with so smooth that I did not felt I had a procedure. The staff was excellent and took good are of me. Dr Kim is very polite and very caring.
I recently had an appointment with Dr. Kim, and I was very impressed with his professionalism and empathy. He took the time to listen carefully to my concerns and made me feel comfortable throughout the consultation. Dr. Kim explained everything in a clear and understandable way, ensuring that I fully understood my condition and the next steps for treatment. His compassionate approach and attention to detail truly set him apart. I highly recommend Dr. Kim to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and caring gastroenterologist.
Dr. Kim is very calm and listens you. He thoroughly answers all my questions
He is an amazing Doctor and always on time for my appointments
He is an amazing Doctor and always on time for my appointments
Dr. Kim was informative about liver disease and very reassuring. I highly recommend him.
EXCELLENT, knowledgeable, easy to talk to.
You will not find a better Gastrointestinal Physician. He can cure any ailment you have. Don't delay, make your appointment today. You will not regret your choice.
You will not find a better Gastrointestinal Physician. He can cure any ailment you have. Don't delay, make your appointment today. You will not regret your choice.
Doctor Kim and staff are great!
Dr Kim took the time to answer all of my questions and explain what he has found to be a good way to move forward with my treatment.
Dr. Kim is an incredible doctor. I was a little nervous as it was my first colonoscopy visit. The staff and everyone in this facility are exceptionally friendly. Before and after the procedure I was asked questions to make sure that everything goes smoothly, and it really did. It all was scheduled and executed perfectly on time. I entered the facility and left 1.5 hours later. That includes everything from check-in to my discharge when my wife came to pick me up. Dr. Kim had a follow up conversation with me to explain the finding and his recommendations. Great staff, doctors and facility. I’m very happy and definitely going back. Thank you.
10/10 experience except scheduling. Every staff in the actual facility are awesome. Many Thanks to Dr Kim’s team.
Wonderful and caring Doctor. Office staff was incredible.
Very thorough with diagnosis and explanation of my health concerns. Will highly recommend to everyone
Dr Kim is very particular when it comes to my health care. He covered all the necessary information that I need to know as a patient and advised me on what I needed to do to stay healthy . Very professional and compassionate. I couldn’t ask for anything more . You know it when you have a doctor that cares .
I appreciated the staff at this office. I was given clear preparation instructions for my first colonoscopy. Appointment started on time and everyone was very kind and friendly. Dr. Kim spoke to me for a few minutes beforehand and eased any worries I had. Before I knew what was happening, my husband was there to pick me up. I will definitely use this office for all future tests.
I had an excellent experience with Dr. Kim and his office staff. Dr. Kim was incredibly pleasant, knowledgeable, thorough, and caring throughout my visit. He took the time to address all my concerns and made me feel truly heard and cared for. Additionally, his office staff were extremely professional, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to work with. Everyone I encountered demonstrated the highest level of respect and dedication to patient care. I have nothing but appreciation for this team, and I strongly recommend Dr. Kim for all your GI needs
Dr Kim listens and explains with great clarity. He is compassionate and very knowledgeable. He is supported by highly professional, caring staff. The front desk staff are friendly and helpful.