Dr. Simon Kim

The Clinical Etymologist

Health EN ↓ 27 episodes

The Clinical Etymologist is a podcast devoted to curiosity, lifelong learning, and the quiet joy of medicine. Hosted by Dr. Kim—a general internist and self-appointed Clinical Etymologist—each episode explores the words we use in medicine to diagnose, to heal, and to make sense of the human condition. With a blend of language, history, clinical insight, and his unique sense of humor, Dr. Kim uncovers the hidden roots of medical terms—from the eponyms we invoke to the metaphors we overlook. This is a space for curious souls who still believe learning can be meaningful and fun.

Author

Dr. Simon Kim

Episodes

30/20/10 Rule of Orthostatic Hypotension 22.07.2025 11:34

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr. Simon Kim takes you on a head-spinning journey through the physiology, history, and humor behind orthostatic hypotension. What do a fainting patient, a Greek root word, and a Jedi medical student all have in common? You’re about to find out. From the true meaning of orthostatic , to the origins of the 30/20/10 rule, to why your patient might be tipping over du...

Scleral Icterus : The Yellow Misnomer 19.07.2025 10:37

Send us Fan Mail In the inaugural episode of The Clinical Etymologist , Dr. Simon Kim an internist and self-appointed Clinical Etymologist unpacks the case of “scleral icterus” — a phrase we all use, but one that’s anatomically inaccurate. Through storytelling, humor, and clinical clarity, this episode explores the physiology of bilirubin, the causes of jaundice, and why the yellowing of the eyes...