Board Certification
American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Education
Dr. Keem received his medical degree from the University of California, San Diego, with honors. He completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and a fellowship in complex spinal deformity surgery at Lakewood Orthopedic Clinic/St. Anthony Hospital/The Children's Hospital in Denver, Colo. He is an alum of University of California, Santa Barbara where he graduated with the Highest Honors.
Special Interests
While Dr. Keem specializes in all types of spine surgery, his passion is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MIS) to treat complex spinal disorders. He believes that less tissue trauma leads to quicker recovery after a spine surgery. He routinely treats conditions such as disc herniation, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, scoliosis, traumatic conditions of spine and failed previous spinal surgeries of cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine.
Pediatrics
Dr. Keem sees pediatric patients ages 18+.
Practice Philosophy
”I believe that thorough examination and strong communication with the patient, and sometimes his/her family, is essential. Each patient has different expectations and risk-tolerance levels for available treatment options. My role is to empower patients with information, facilitating the decision making process, and executing the decision that the patient ultimately makes, for optimal surgical outcomes."
Teaching and Community Involvement
Spine surgical teaching/mission trip to Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya. Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery symposiums and teaching at YonSei, Catholic and Asan University Centers, Seoul, South Korea. Surgeon training for XLIF, AxiaLIF and TDR (Total Disc Replacement) procedures. Certification of appreciation by 5th Ranger Training Battalion.
Professional Society Membership
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons; North American Spine Society; Society of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery; Society of Lateral Access Surgeons; Association of Presacral Spine Surgeons; Korean American Spine Society; Rotary International Club.
Honors
Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society; Phi Delta Epsilon Medical Fraternity
Personal Interests
Dr. Keem enjoys salmon fishing, kayaking, snowboarding, scuba diving and sport shooting. He practices meditation and would like to get better at golf and surfing.
Languages
Korean
Hospital Affiliations
Swedish Medical Center