Kenneth Kim, D.V.M. Named Kord Animal Lab Director

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is announcing the appointment of Kenneth Kim, D.V.M., D.A.C.V.P. as director of the C.E. Kord Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory (KAHDL).

Dr. Kim will lead the KAHDL in providing accurate and timely diagnostic services to Tennessee veterinarians, animal owners, and commercial animal operations.

“We are very fortunate to have Dr. Kim join our team as the Kord Lab Director,” Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said. “Should any livestock and herd health issues arise, I am confident that Dr. Kim will successfully lead our team to provide a diagnosis and work with Tennessee veterinarians to quickly stop the spread of any disease.”

Kim was the principal of SDx Histopathology and a scientist at the La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology’s Shresta Lab. In addition to his small animal biopsy experience, Dr. Kim leaves the Shresta Lab as one of the world's leading Zika virus research pathologists.

The KAHDL provides diagnostic services for a wide range of animal diseases in many species of animals to serve the needs of the livestock industry and promote animal health within the state. The KAHDL was instrumental in protecting animal health during the 2017 High Pathogenic Avian Influenza outbreak by providing testing, surveillance, necropsies, and early detection of the disease.

Kim received his veterinary degree at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, and he completed a residency in anatomic pathology at the Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory in Baton Rouge. Dr. Kim practiced medicine and surgery for 10 years prior to becoming a pathologist and founding SDx Histopathology Inc.

“I am thrilled to be joining the high performing group of laboratory professionals at the Kord lab and to have the support of a business-minded Commissioner,” Dr. Kim said. “My goal at Kord will be to continue building excellent service for Tennessee agricultural producers and veterinarians, and I aim to give Middle Tennessee companion animal veterinarians every reason to keep their valued submissions within the state and contributing to the local economy.”

Kim will assume duties Aug. 22. Until then, Dr. Samantha Beaty will continue to serve as interim lab director for the KAHDL.

Dr. Kim and his wife enjoy the great outdoors and have one child. For more information about the Kord Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory, click here.