Ku, M.D., Kimberly - Illinois CancerCare

Locations

Board Certifications

Hematology/Medical Oncology, Internal Medicine

Staff Education

Undergraduate: University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, MI
Medical school: Wayne State University – Detroit, MI
Internal Medicine residency: Indiana University – Indianapolis, IN
Hematology/Oncology fellowship: University of Wisconsin – Madison, WI

Areas of Interest

Specialties (such as Breast, Myeloma, Pancreas):
Breast, Prostate, Kidney, Bladder, Colorectal, Pancreas, Lung, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma, B Cell Lymphomas, Myeloma, Myelodysplastic Syndrome, General Hematology/Oncology

Hobbies / Interests

Family time with my husband, soccer-loving son, and two pooches. Early morning exercise. Scary movies. Sketching and painting.

What medical change has impacted the field of cancer the most since you began practicing medicine?

Immunotherapy, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy (a type of immunotherapy), and more attention on the treatment of rare diseases. The field is getting better at reducing toxic side effects and offering more supportive care in order to help patients enjoy healthier, longer lives. In some cases, safer personalized targeted options are displacing riskier chemotherapies. With these exciting new advancements also comes appreciation for managing unique side effects and balancing cost consciousness.

Why did you choose your field?

During my medical school application season, a college friend was diagnosed with cancer. This experience led me to pursue hematology/oncology as a career. Along the way I met inspiring mentors who reinforced my career decisions and personal growth.

Why did you choose Illinois CancerCare?

Trusted mentors and colleagues highly recommended ILCC. The combination of state-of-the-art patient care with access to clinical trials as well as workplace culture have been a good fit for me. Since joining, my family and I have been absolutely grateful for the opportunity and for the wonderful Bloomington community.

Do you have any advice to give patients after they have been diagnosed with cancer?

Cancer is scary and we all have to respect that. At the same time, you do not stop being the person you were before the diagnosis. Take your time to process. Remember that cancer is not your fault. Then set simple goals to continue living a full and busy life with the ones who love you. Sleep and exercise. Come time for your appointments, create your own personal care team to divide up specific tasks and help you feel prepared: someone who will jot down notes at each visit, someone who picks up and tracks your medications with you. We at ILCC want to help you learn about, cope with, and treat cancer. You will have many people who care about you no matter what. Taking it one day at a time is the best that anyone can do.

Patient Testimonials

I came to Dr. Ku as a stage 4 cancer patient. Her care has been outstanding! Her kindness and understanding immediately put me at ease and made the journey so much easier. She pursued every avenue for treatment and today I am proud to say that I have been cancer free for almost 6 years! In my opinion, she is the best and I highly recommend her!

Professional and caring doctor, nurses and staff. I have been treated with care by all.

Dr Ku has been a wonderful oncologist to me since January 2020 and always listens to my concerns about treatments and overall health. I truly trust Dr Ku for her professionalism and understanding about my condition too.

Dr Ku was very kind and helpful. On my road to getting better thanks to her skills and eager to help me.

I was referred to Dr. Ku at Illinois Cancer Care in Bloomington upon being diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma. Dr Ku was awesome, knowledgeable and fully aware of her own limits. When my case became “a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma" (Winston Churchill), she was glad to refer me to a more specialized facility. In my opinion, that’s a sign of a very good , self-aware doctor. Once my treatment plan gets set, I’ll happily return to Dr Ku at Illinois Cancer Care in Bloomington for the remainder of my care. I highly recommend Illinois Cancer Care in Bloomington, IL.

Dr Ku is a very friendly and compassionate doctor. I've had nothing but good experiences with her and all the staff at Illinois Cancer Care during an uncertain time in my life. I would recommend them to anyone.

Dr. Ku is very caring and takes time to address any concerns or questions her patient may have. I am very glad she is my doctor.

The professionals I visited dealt with matters quickly, professionally and with care. They did chuckle at my weak attempts at humor, and I appreciate an audience that responds, no matter how stale the joke.

Dr Cu is attentive and very patient with questions that my husband and I had regarding treatment. She was able to explain things in a way we could understand.

Wonderful doctor, she takes her time and answers all of my questions

She is direct, engaging and professional in her communication.

Great Doctor

She takes time with me and doesn’t rush. Seems very concerned on how feel and answers questions that I have.

Dr Ku was very good at explaining what was being done and why and making sure i understood why it was being done and if i was having any side affects and how i was feeling.

Dr. Ku is patient and kind. She listens to me and answers my questions so that I have more clarity. I appreciate her knowledge and experience.

Dr Ku is a pleasant person answers all my questions