Josh Kim, PT, DPT
Name:
Yong Bin “Josh” Kim
Specialties:
Currently pursuing advanced training in pelvic health physical therapy.
Empower History:
Joined Empower Physical Therapy in September 2025
Hometown:
Seoul, South Korea
Background & Inspiration
What inspired you to become a PT?
My own rehabilitation journeys—recovering from disc herniations during military service and a stroke in college—showed me how life-changing physical therapy can be. Those experiences led me to this profession.
Where did you go to PT school?
AdventHealth University.
What is your background and experience?
I’m a new graduate with a strong interest in pelvic floor physical therapy. I recently earned my second pelvic PT certification out of three. I hope to become a well-rounded physical therapist, so during my rotations I explored areas outside the typical orthopedic track, including wound and lymphatic care, neuro-robotics, pelvic floor rehab, and general orthopedics.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I love listening to the stories of my patients, clients, and colleagues. Their experiences motivate and inspire me. Walking alongside someone through their rehabilitation, prevention, or strengthening journey—and seeing meaningful, life-changing outcomes—reminds me why I chose this career.
Why Alaska?
I chose Empower first, and everything else fell into place. As an international male pelvic PT, finding mentorship can be challenging, but Empower has pelvic PTs in every clinic.
As an athlete, veteran, and someone with my own medical history, I’ve always wanted to be part of a community where my experience could make an impact. Empower’s community involvement stood out, so I signed the first offer letter and moved to Alaska without hesitation.
I’ve also always admired nature and loved exploring. Growing up in South Korea and later living in the southern U.S. (TN, GA, FL), Alaska felt like a place people talked about but few experienced. I wanted to see it for myself—and I’ve loved every day since arriving.
Passions Within PT
In South Korea, the DPT degree doesn’t exist, so physical therapists aren’t allowed to develop plans of care or diagnose patients. Physical therapy isn’t widely understood there—or in many parts of the world. I want to advocate for the value of PT and show that it can be a lifelong, empowering, and even fun journey. Our specialized knowledge plays a vital role in rehabilitation and overall well-being.
Family
I’m the youngest (and cutest) in my family. My parents work in ministry in Korea. I’m engaged to the most beautiful person in the world, who is currently attending nursing school in Florida. My plan is to bring her to Alaska soon.
Passions Outside of Work
I love sports. Even when half of my body wasn’t functioning during my stroke recovery, sports kept me motivated. I played varsity soccer in high school, skied annually in South Korea, love bouldering, and recently started playing pickleball.