Student Stories

Meet SJ Kim, an Executive MBA Student and Physician at the Baylor College of Medicine

Undergraduate and Graduate Institutions

Undergraduate: Sungkyunkwan University, B.S. 

Medical and Graduate:

  • Northwestern University, Ph.D. 
  • Chicago Medical School, M.D. 

Current Role and Career Journey

I am an associate professor in the department of dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM). My work involves clinical practice, research and education. In my clinical role, I see a high volume of general dermatology patients, with a focus on complex medical dermatology. I spend five half-days per week at BCM clinics and three half-days at the VA hospital. My research focuses on dermatologic diseases, covering case reports, retrospective studies, clinical trials and collaborations with other researchers and clinicians.

Education is a passion of mine. For the dermatology residency program, I give lectures on various topics, lead journal clubs and participate in weekly grand rounds. I have implemented cosmetic workshops and helped establish a resident rapid access clinic. I also provide constant teaching and mentorship to residents at both the BCM and VA clinics.

For medical students, I have been the co-director of the CABS (Clinical Applications of Biomedical Sciences) course since 2017. I also direct the MEDER 200 clinical dermatology course at the VA hospital and serve as a mentor. Since 2019, I have been the residency program director, where I have introduced innovations such as a new curriculum with a tumor board, mortality and morbidity conferences, mentorship programs, systematic evaluations, well-being lectures, and new grand round formats during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why did you choose a Rice Business Executive MBA?

Rice's proximity to the Texas Medical Center is essential for my schedule. Rice Business is a great school and the only one I applied to! 

What do you enjoy the most about being a Rice MBA student?

I really enjoy the energy, friendship and motivation of my classmates in this MBA program. The quality and depth of the classes are excellent, as well. The best part, however, has been the personal growth I’ve experienced through the process. I’ve built positive relationships, received valuable coaching and gained a wealth of knowledge — an experience that has been truly invaluable.

Additionally, my way of thinking has undergone a complete transformation and significant expansion. The MBA program has truly broadened my scope of thought processes. Overall, the combination of high-quality academics, supportive relationships with my peers, and personal development has made this experience incredibly rewarding.

How does the program positively impact you at work, and can you share an example of applying what you learned on the job?

Through this MBA program, I have gained valuable self-awareness. I have a better understanding of my own strengths and weaknesses. This self-knowledge allows me to manage myself more effectively and adapt to different situations with less stress.

I have also learned the critical importance of teamwork. While I had prior experience working in teams, the MBA program has taught me how to collaborate productively with team members who have diverse personalities and working styles.

The combination of enhanced self-awareness and improved teamwork skills has been a transformative outcome of my MBA experience. I feel better equipped to navigate complex situations and work successfully with others towards shared goals.


SJ Kim is an Executive MBA student in the Class of 2025.

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