Dr. Choll Kim graduated cum laude from Harvard Medical School and completed fellowship training in complex spine surgery at the Mayo Clinic. He holds double-board certification from the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Board of Spine Surgery.
Internationally recognized as an expert in the field of computer-assisted minimally invasive spine surgery, Dr. Kim actively trains specialists nationwide on the safe and effective application of state-of-the-art techniques using image guidance and navigation technologies.
Dr. Kim’s pioneering work includes mastering laser endoscopic spine surgery (LESS), an innovative minimally procedure for treating herniated discs, radiculopathy, and sciatica. LESS offers the advantage of being performed under local anesthesia, in a same-day setting, and through a small poke hole covered with a Band-Aid before sending you home.
As a leader in the field, Dr. Kim has founded and presided over organizations such as the Society for Minimally Invasive Surgery (SMISS) and Minimally Invasive Spine Centers of Excellence (MIS-COE). He also contributes to the advancement of spine surgery through involvement with the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery (ISASS) and as a former associate clinical professor at the University of California, San Diego.
Dr. Kim’s influence extends to regulatory affairs, having served as a past voting member of the FDA Orthopedic Devices Panel. He continues to design minimally invasive instrumentation used worldwide. Active memberships include the North American Spine Society (NASS), the Korean American Spine Society (KASS), and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).
Alex is a board-certified Physician Assistant who graduated Summa Cum Laude from Point Loma Nazarene University. She then completed her training at UC Davis and earned her Physician Assistant Certificate in 2021. She has previously worked as an Athletic Trainer and has a strong passion and interest for orthopedics. She enjoys serving others and is always looking for ways to better care for her patients.
Adrienne Bixby Office Manager adrienne@excelspine.com D: 619-229-5394 | Brittany Masiello Outreach Director brittany@excelspine.com D: 619-344-6918 |
Courtney Khounborine New Patient Coordinator courtney@excelspine.com D: 619-229-5346 | Caroline Espino Referral Coordinator Operations Supervisor caroline@excelspine.com D: 619-229-5351 |
Kelsey Escobar Surgery Scheduler kelsey@excelspine.com D: 619-432-1538 | Lia Heneghan Medical Assistant lia@excelspine.com D: 619-229-5392 |