Redondo Beach resident William Kim, M.D., has been named the new Chief Medical Advisor for the Beach Cities Health District (BCHD), one of the largest preventive health agencies in the U.S. In this role, he will serve as the primary spokesperson on public health issues and provide medical oversight for all research, programming, and community services at the Redondo Beach-based public agency.

BCHD serves Beach Cities (Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Manhattan Beach) residents, offering an extensive range of dynamic health and wellness programs, with innovative services and facilities to promote health and prevent diseases in all age groups. BCHD operates AdventurePlex, a health and fitness center in Manhattan Beach, where kids play their way to good health, and the Center for Health & Fitness in Redondo Beach, a comprehensive, medically based fitness center. 

Lisa Santora, M.D., previously served in the position.

“Dr. Kim is a deeply talented, well-respected physician with strong connections to leading health organizations, representatives and physicians throughout the South Bay and state,” said Susan Burden, Beach Cities Health District CEO. 

“Additionally, his demonstrated knowledge of chronic preventable illness and deep familiarity with our organization and local community will be invaluable to strengthening the integrity and effectiveness of our programs and services, specifically those aimed at older adults and young people in the Beach Cities.”

Kim, who currently owns and operates Beach Cities Internal Medicine in Torrance, has more than 30 years of experience as an Internist and Emergency Physician. He spent the majority of his career practicing medicine in the South Bay, including serving as Attending Physician (1985-1993) in the emergency room of South Bay Hospital, which closed in 1998 to form Beach Cities Health District. 

Kim also held the offices of Medical Director/Paramedic Liaison (1986-1993), Assistant Medical Director (1987-1991), Emergency Chairman (1990-1993) and Medical Director (1991-1993) during his eight years at the community hospital.

Burden added that Kim will be responsible for ensuring BCHD programs adhere to industry best practices and remain rooted in evidence-based research. Under Burden’s direction, Kim will also support the development and oversight of health services, including outcomes, community reporting, and data collection.

“The South Bay is a great place to live, and Beach Cities Health District is one of the key local organizations working to make it even better,” said Dr. Kim. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to improve public health and, most of all, give something meaningful back to the community that has given me so much throughout the years.”

Kim graduated from St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, completed his clinical studies at North Middlesex Hospital in London, and residency training in Internal Medicine at Trenton Affiliated Hospitals in Trenton, New Jersey. 

Kim has received numerous accolades during his career, including multiple medical residency honors for excellence (1982, 1983, 1984, 1985); a Distinguished Service Award for “Outstanding Medical Service to the South Bay” from Los Angeles County (1995); a Civic Award from the City of Redondo Beach for “Medical and Paramedic Services” (1985-1992); and a Certificate of Commendation from the City of Hermosa Beach (1995). 

During his 31-year career, Kim also worked as Director of Whitlow Emergency Medical Group (1991-1994) and served as Partner and Chief Financial Officer for South Bay Family Medical Group (1994-2013). He acted as Advisor to the Academy of Health and Fitness at Redondo Union High School (1995-1997), in addition to serving as an executive committee member for the South Bay Hospital (1985-1993) and Board Member for South Bay Independent Physicians (1994-1998).