STAR Stories in STEM: Lessons from Dr. Brian Kim (Part 2)
“Worry about the science. Worry about the medicine. Worry about having a huge impact. As long as that’s your North Star, the rest will follow.” – Dr. Brian Kim
Hello, readers! Welcome back to Discover Your STAR ! If you’re new here, hit subscribe ↓ so you don’t miss future interviews.
Today, I’m excited to share Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Brian Kim, a world-renowned physician–scientist, inventor, and innovator. In Part 1, Thomas introduced some of the big themes from our interview. This time, I want to share a few more lessons that really stayed with me.
Dr. Kim spoke with honesty and clarity about the path of becoming a physician–scientist. He didn’t sugarcoat the challenges—it’s demanding in every way: mentally, physically, and emotionally. But his message wasn’t discouraging. Instead, he shared principles that can help young people, like us, build lives of impact and purpose.
Key Takeaways from Our Conversation
Here are the top five lessons I learned from Dr. Kim:
1️⃣ Don’t Hide Behind Your CV
“Awards and titles look impressive, but they aren’t the end goal. Real success comes from making an impact.”
Dr. Kim warned that people often get “lulled” into chasing prestige or incremental steps that don’t actually matter in the long run.
🌟His advice: don’t let your CV become a shield. Instead, focus on solving problems and doing work that leaves a mark.
2️⃣ Hold Yourself to Higher Standards
Institutions have their benchmarks—tenure, grants, publications—but Dr. Kim sets his own standards, far above those.
For him, success isn’t just about publishing a paper; it’s about turning ideas into innovations that reach patients.
🌟Dr. Kim said, “Life’s too short for ungratifying outcomes….. Aim big —science, medicine, and impact —and trust recognition will follow.
3️⃣ Follow Your North Star
Decision-making, Dr. Kim explained, comes down to one guiding question: Does this align with my North Star?
He constantly checks himself to avoid distractions, even tempting ones. If an opportunity doesn’t serve his mission, he lets it go.
This discipline keeps his work coherent, focused, and deeply meaningful.
4️⃣ Use the Two-Year Rule
🌟Set a clear goal. Commit to it fully for two years—no second-guessing.
At the two-year mark, evaluate honestly: Are you close? Are you off track? Adjust, then set a new two-year goal.
Over time, this focus compounds. What once felt like a five-year goal might start looking achievable in just one.
5️⃣ Seek Mentors and Listen Deeply
Dr. Kim credits his mentors with shaping his internal voice. He always gravitated toward wise, genuine people and listened closely to their guidance.
Too often, young people assume they already know the path.
🌟Instead, Dr. Kim encourages us to —stay open, stay humble, and really LISTEN! Mentors can help us see things we can’t yet see for ourselves.
Final Thoughts
For me, this conversation was both inspiring and grounding. Dr. Kim reminded me that becoming a physician–scientist isn’t just about choosing a career. It’s about choosing a lifestyle guided by purpose, high standards, and honesty with yourself.
As a biomedical engineering major still exploring my path, I found his words both sobering and motivating.
What about you? How do you define your own North Star?
Until next time! 🚀
Craig
