Arnold Kim is a rising OMS-III at the Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine in Vallejo, CA. Born and raised in San Jose, CA, he hopes to remain in the Bay Area for residency in order to give back to his hometown community. His path to medicine was not linear- he spent five years attending community college while working multiple jobs, using that time to explore his passions both within and beyond medicine. Despite this journey, he ultimately realized he could not envision himself pursuing any other career.

Arnold went on to complete his undergraduate studies at San Jose State University, earning degrees in Sociology and Dance, before enrolling in San Francisco State University’s Pre-Health Professions Post-Baccalaureate program. At Touro, he has developed his leadership and professional skills through involvement in national conferences, including AACOM’s Educating Leaders and the AOA House of Delegates, as well as through service on class council and COM Student Government.

As a board member of Touro’s Rainbow Health Coalition, Arnold organized and hosted a gender-affirming care lecture as part of the school’s Cultural Competency series, featuring Dr. John Kowalczyk, DO, who spoke on urologic gender-affirming surgeries. Although he has been a member of APAMSA’s Touro chapter, this marks his first year serving on a national committee.

Arnold is honored to serve in this role and hopes to use this opportunity to increase visibility and representation for queer medical students. He is currently interested in pursuing urology and aspires to become a physician who helps destigmatize and normalize sexual health.