May 8, 2026
Rebecca G. Kim, MD, MAS, Assistant Professor in the Division of Gastroenterology at the University of Utah School of Medicine, has received a Notice of Award for her K23 career development grant.
The funded project, "SDoH Screening and Interventions to Reduce Disparities in Liver Disease," will support Dr. Kim's research to address social determinants of health (SDoH) and their impact on liver disease outcomes. The project specifically aims to implement SDoH screening in clinical practice, develop targeted interventions for patients with unmet social needs, and evaluate the impact of these interventions on liver disease outcomes, ultimately striving to reduce health disparities.
The K23: Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award is a highly competitive grant that supports early-career physician-scientists in developing independent research programs. Dr. Kim's project aims to better understand how factors such as access to care and socioeconomic conditions influence the progression and management of chronic liver disease. A key goal is to identify and test practical interventions that address these factors to reduce disparities and improve patient outcomes in liver care.
"This award allows me to receive the training I need to successfully develop my independent research program, which is incredibly exciting! At the same time, I hope it will help improve our ability to mitigate the negative impact of social needs on the health of our most vulnerable patients with chronic liver disease."
— Dr. Rebecca G. Kim
Dr. Kim is a transplant and general hepatologist specializing in liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver transplant care. A Salt Lake City native, she trained at the University of Cincinnati (MD), UC San Diego (residency and chief residency), and UCSF (gastroenterology and transplant hepatology fellowships).
Her clinical and research focus includes alcohol-associated and metabolic liver disease, and the impact of social needs and healthcare access. Through her K23-funded work, Dr. Kim aims to integrate SDoH screening and interventions to improve equity in liver health.