Profile: Tim Kyin, MD

Division of Asthma, Allergy & Immunology
FACULTY PROFILE: TIM KYIN, MD

I was born in Burma, but grew up in Illinois, the oldest of three children. I always knew I wanted to be a doctor, but I was hoping that I could get a basketball scholarship for college before heading to medical school; unfortunately that did not work out. After finishing my residency at Tufts, and a fellowship in Allergy and Immunology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, I stayed on at BWH as a member of the faculty. My wife came to realize that Boston traffic (not Charlottesville “traffic”) wasn’t for her and convinced me to explore my options —and that led me to UVA. We are currently renting in the Pantops area while looking for our “forever” house.

Why medicine?

Unlike some, I did not have that life-altering moment that turned me on to medicine. It was something more innate; I just knew I was going to be a physician. As for why I ended up in allergy, it was actually its lesser-known cousin, immunology, which piqued my interest. Allergy is the clinical arm of the field and immunology is the research focus.

What brought you to UVA?

My wife, Kim Dowdell, a physician in General Medicine, dragged me here. She is a double ‘Hoo, having done college and medical school at UVA. We were both early in our careers, working at our respective academic centers up in Boston, when two faculty positions opened up simultaneously at UVA last year. It was just too good an opportunity to pass up. Plus my Spidey-sense knew that I wouldn’t want to deal with the record-setting snow in Boston this year.

What excites you about your work?

I am a full-time clinician with an administrative role. The part that I like most is the patient relationships and the rapport that I build with them. The challenging-yet-exciting part of the job is the administrative end, where I get to help influence and contribute to the growth of the Allergy Division.

How did you meet your spouse?

My wife and I met in residency. I always told myself that I would not get hitched to another physician, but she wouldn’t take “no” for an answer! She just couldn’t resist my dry sense of humor, full head of hair and practical nature.

Who inspires you?

As cliché as it sounds, my parents are my inspiration. We were immigrants to this country, and I experienced first-hand the struggles and sacrifices they made for their children; it makes any work of mine seem like a breeze by comparison. Losing my mom 10 years ago, before she got the chance to see the fruits of her labor, makes me appreciate my own family that much more.

What about you would surprise us?

I am a closet jock. Don’t let the glasses, age and quiet persona fool you.