About Us

Richard Kim, MD, MS, is a board-certified neurosurgeon specializing in minimally invasive spine surgery. He currently serves patients across Orange County and Los Angeles at his practices, in Newport Beach, California and Orange, CA.

Born and raised in Southern California, Dr. Kim earned his undergraduate degree in biochemistry from the University of California, Riverside, followed by a Master of Science in biochemistry and neurophysiology. He then earned his medical degree from St. Louis University School of Medicine in Missouri, graduating magna cum laude.

Dr. Kim’s post-graduate training included an internship and residency at New York University Medical Center and a fellowship in epilepsy surgery at Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Kim serves as the Director of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery at DISC Sports & Spine Center in Newport Beach and is a diplomate of the American Board of Neurological Surgeons.

An active researcher, Dr. Kim has published numerous scientific articles and chapters in neurosurgical textbooks on subjects ranging from surgery for epilepsy to complex spine surgery. He has also been an invited speaker at many professional conferences.

As a result of his years of training, Dr. Kim specializes in performing artificial disc replacement, cervical fusion surgery, lumbar microdiscectomy surgery, lumbar fusion surgery, sacroiliac joint fusion, spinal tumor removal, craniotomy, and gamma knife radiosurgery. He also specializes in treating conditions such as herniated discs, stenosis, radiculopathy, back pain, sciatica, spinal fractures, tumors, and epilepsy.

Dr. Kim is active in many professional organizations, including the North American Spine Society, the American Epilepsy Society, the Epilepsy Foundation of America, and the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.

Dr. Kim is an avid cyclist, with experience in competitive mountain and road cycling. As a two-time California state champion, cycling informs his philosophy in practice, trying to get patients back to being as active as they can be. Cycling has influenced Dr. Kim's approach to treatment by focusing on patient goals and optimizing their activity.

 

Our Mission

We provide a combination of compassionate, personalized care and state-of-the-art technology to tailor treatment options to each patients individual’s situation.

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Don’t live in pain. Call us to get back to life.

Get Back to Life

Minimally Invasive Treatments. Quick Recovery.

Insurance and Billing

Dr. Kim accepts most major PPO insurances. If you do not see yours please call our office to see how we can help.

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How to Tell If You Have a Herniated Disc

Herniated discs can affect people of all ages, but most often appear in people aged 30 to 50 years. Identifying the signs gives you the chance to seek early treatment that eases your pain and prevents potential complications.

Why Do I Always Have Left-Side Neck Pain?

If you “always” or frequently have neck pain on either side of your neck, you should schedule an evaluation with a skilled neurologist. Ongoing or severe neck pain signals problems that typically worsen and can lead to permanent nerve damage.

Understanding the 5 Main Causes of Sciatica

Sciatica affects 40% of adults at least once in their lifetime, and for many, it turns into a chronic and often debilitating condition. Though sciatica has numerous causes, they all lead to one problem: a pinched sciatic nerve.

Testimonials

Words from our patients

  • Google

    "Phenomenal Doctor! He is a very smart man, and a very caring doctor. He performed 3 lumbar spinal surgeries on my back. I highly! recommend him to anyone."

    Javier R.
  • Google

    "Don't hesitate to contact Dr Kim if you need any type of spinal, sports, or neurosurgery -- he is excellent."

    Bettie N.
  • Google

    "Dr Kim is professional. He wont take up a lot of your time. Straight to the issue & the resolutions."

    Elsie C.
  • Google

    "I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Dr Kim’s practice to anyone! 100% recommended. Thanks for everything Dr Kim"

    Paul B.
  • Vitals

    "Dr. Kim is a very through and confident doctor who answers your questions and empowers you to make critical decisions"

    Self-verified patient
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