Dr. Kim founded the Free Medical Clinic of America, later renamed Kim Health Center in his honor.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn — Sources confirmed on Saturday, Jan. 17, that Dr. Tom Kim has passed away.

Dr. Kim started providing free health care for people who were working but uninsured in 1993.

He founded the Free Medical Clinic of America over 30 years ago, which was renamed Kim Health Center in 2013 in his honor. 

Kim was also awarded the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Director’s Community Leadership Award in 2013 for going above and beyond to serve the community.

According to the Kim Health Center’s website, Kim retired in 2019. 

“Dr. Kim was a successful oncologist who felt inspired by his Christian upbringing to give back to the community that had given him so much,” the website says. “He began offering free services in 1993 and was responsible for the start of multiple free clinics in East Tennessee.”

Mayor of Knoxville Indya Kincannon posted about Kim’s death, in addition to the passing of Natalie Haslam.

“Dr. Kim started the Free Medical Clinic of America, and has helped thousands of East Tennesseans access healthcare through his free clinics,” Kincannon posted. “Thank you both for your lasting legacies of giving – your work will continue to impact countless generations.”