Reflections on 40 Years in Global Health with Dr. Jim Yong Kim

University of Iowa College of Public Health

In this episode, Lauren welcomes a very special guest; Dr. Jim Yong Kim, partner, vice chairman, and Global Infrastructure Partners (a part of BlackRock) emerging markets chairman as well as former President of the World Bank Group and director of the World Health Organization’s HIV/AIDS department. Dr. Kim's background growing up in Iowa with Korean immigrant parents shaped his practical and moral approach to tackling complex global challenges. His dual MD-PhD training in medicine and anthropology allowed him to bridge the social sciences and practical applications, leading him to co-found the groundbreaking organization Partners in Health. At Partners in Health, Dr. Kim emphasized the importance of accompaniment and community health workers in providing equitable, effective care for the world's poorest populations. After serving as President of Dartmouth College, Dr. Kim was nominated by President Obama to lead the World Bank, where he applied his on-the-ground experience and commitment to moral leadership. Dr. Kim emphasizes the value of lifelong learning, humility, and learning from others as key aspects of effective leadership. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-reflections-on-40-years-in-global-health-with-dr-jim-yong-kim/ Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at [e-mail] You can also support Plugged in to Public Health by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks.