Dr. Kim Young Chung cared for patients in Oconto for over 35 years, specializing in Family Medicine, General Surgery and Pathology.
During her tenure, Dr. Chung was more than just a caretaker — she was a pillar for the community. Her sons, Attorney Thomas J. Awen and Dr. Dennis K. Awen, saw the impact their late mother had on the Oconto community and chose to honor her legacy with a gift to The Bellin Health Foundation — benefitting Bellin Health Oconto Hospital.
“At Bellin, we have an expression we like to use, ‘I will know you. I will show you respect. I will go with you on your journey.’ This phrase resonates with me and so many of our Bellin providers, and I think it encapsulates the way Dr. Chung approached providing care,” said Bellin Health Clinic Physician Dr. Charles Hyka. “I’m glad her memory and the impact she had on this community has been cemented with this generous donation.”
Dr. Kim Young Chung was born in Seoul, South Korea on October 7, 1934, to her parents, Dr. Koo Choong Chung and Dr. Nam Sul Chung, also medical doctors. A survivor of the Japanese Occupation of Korea (1905-1945) and the Korean War (1950-1953), Dr. Chung graduated from medical school at Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea and went on to do post-graduate residency and internships starting in 1960 at Grey Nuns and Regina General Hospital in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Dr. Chung underwent pathology specialization at the University Hospital for the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada during this time.
In 1971 Dr. Chung and her family moved to the United States and began her medical practice in Oconto. Certified in Pathology by the American Board of Pathology, Dr. Chung practiced Family Medicine, General Surgery and Pathology in Oconto from 1971 until her retirement in 2006.
A ceremony recognizing Dr. Chung’s services to the Oconto Community was held on Friday, April 28 at Bellin Health Oconto Hospital. Attendees included members of her family, along with some of her former colleagues.