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John H. Yim,

M.D.

Surgical Oncologist

4.9 (266 Ratings)
Biography photo
Location
City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center - Duarte
1500 East Duarte Road
Duarte, CA 91010
Specialties
Breast Surgical Oncology
Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism
Education
Medical school:

Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA

Residency:

General Surgery - Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO

Academic Appointments
  • Associate Professor, Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery
About Me

John Hosei Yim, M.D., is a highly respected breast and endocrine surgeon at City of Hope® Cancer Center Duarte, where he has been caring for patients since 2008. Before joining City of Hope, he spent eight years at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where he built a thriving breast and endocrine surgical practice and led an active research program. 

At City of Hope, Dr. Yim focuses on treating breast and endocrine conditions while continuing his research at Beckman Research Institute. He is developing new ways to diagnose breast and thyroid nodules at the molecular level, helping patients receive the most appropriate and individualized care, including watchful waiting. 

Dr. Yim is also exploring the potential of baicalein, a natural compound from a Chinese herb, as a cancer treatment. This promising work is being developed right at City of Hope, where new formulations are in progress and clinical trial plans are underway. 

A graduate of Yale University and Stanford University School of Medicine, Dr. Yim is known for his dedication to educating patients about their treatment options. His exceptional surgical skills and compassionate care have earned him recognition as one of the “Best Doctors in America,” a “Top Doctor” in Pasadena magazine and a “Southern California Super Doctor” in Los Angeles magazine.

Patient reviews
The patient ratings and comments on this page are obtained from an external Press Ganey® outpatient survey provided to all eligible City of Hope patients within one to two weeks of their treatment occurrence. Raw data from the answers to the survey questions about our physicians are calculated by Press Ganey into a one- to five- star rating. In the spirit of transparency, all patient comments are posted as written by the patient, whether they are positive or negative. We only exclude comments if they are deemed to be slanderous or libelous, contain profanity or vulgar language, or do not relate to the patient's experience with the doctor involved. As a result, the comments are the views and opinions of the patients surveyed and are not endorsed by, and may not necessarily reflect the opinion of, City of Hope.
Apr 23, 2026
5.0
"The doctor was very knowledgeable and thorough in his explanation of my issues, care plan, etc. This was my first time seeing this provider."
Apr 22, 2026
5.0
"This was my second post-operative visit with Dr. Yim. He carefully checked how my wound was healing and decided to aspirate the accumulated fluid from my neck. He was very thorough and explained each step clearly during the process, and I felt comfortable and reassured. He also ordered a chest X-ray to check my lungs for any new pleural effusion caused by a chyle leak. The following day, he called me after hours to inform me there was no leak. I truly appreciate him going out of his way to call so late; it gave me such peace of mind after hearing the good news."
Apr 17, 2026
5.0
"The doctor was great. We talked a lot through the procedure and it helped make the time go by fast."
Apr 6, 2026
4.4
"Dr. Yim is very knowledgeable, offered non surgical options which require further testing (ultrasound) before a decision can be made."
Mar 30, 2026
5.0
"Always good"
Mar 30, 2026
5.0
"Always good"
Mar 14, 2026
5.0
"Good "
Mar 14, 2026
5.0
"Good"
Feb 27, 2026
5.0
"Dr John Yim is amazing. I am so fortunate to be his patient"
Feb 27, 2026
5.0
"I saw Dr. John Yim for the first time, but was immediately impressed by his thoroughness and calm demeanor. I really appreciate his detailed explanations as he examined me. He also went over with me the latest PET-CT scan image and showed me the areas of concern, as well as the possible risks involved in surgically removing a cancerous lymph node from my neck. He then prescribed a CT scan to assess further the position of the lymph node relative to any major artery or nerve (or something like that)."
Feb 24, 2026
5.0
"Dr. Yim is an exceptional oncology surgeon and he deeply cares for his patients. I am so blessed to have him on my oncology team as I go through my breast cancer journey."
Feb 6, 2026
5.0
"Recommend this hospital"
Feb 6, 2026
5.0
"Very recommended for me"
Feb 4, 2026
5.0
"Dr Yim is an excellent doctor"
Jan 18, 2026
5.0
"I love Dr. Yim. He is an outstanding doctor. He gives you all of his attention and he explains things in detail and very clear. He gave me his number and told me to email him if I needed too."
Dec 28, 2025
5.0
"Dr. Yim is knowledgeable, experienced and trustworthy."
Nov 23, 2025
5.0
"Dr. Yim provided excellent care. He is one of the very best physicians that I have encountered in my cancer journey over the last several decades. [...]"
Nov 16, 2025
5.0
"Very good experience"
Nov 16, 2025
5.0
"I would recommend Dr J Yim , yes definitely"
Nov 9, 2025
5.0
"Dr Yim is very good for what he is doing yet very humble. I am grateful having him keep monitoring my health. I know I am in good hands."
Nov 8, 2025
5.0
"Dr Yim is outstanding"
Nov 8, 2025
5.0
"Doctor Yim is an excellent doctor"
Oct 25, 2025
4.4
"I didn't really require care. My annual diagnostic testing was shared adequately with me as were next steps."
Oct 25, 2025
4.4
"I know Dr Yim is very competent and a top doctor in his field. I am comfortable that I get the best care from him but he does seem more hurried in the last year or two."
Oct 12, 2025
5.0
"After meeting with Dr. John Yim, I asked him specific questions about his experience, such as how many surgeries he performs each year, his complication rates, the expected recovery time, and any restrictions I might face. Based on his thorough responses, I feel confident in Dr. Yim's ability to perform my thyroid surgery. He comes across as knowledgeable and trustworthy."
Oct 9, 2025
5.0
"Great"
Oct 9, 2025
5.0
"Great"
Oct 3, 2025
5.0
"Dr. Yim is fantastic."
Sep 28, 2025
5.0
"Really appreciate you having reviewed all the details about my health (it's a lot) and coming up with a plan!"
Sep 28, 2025
5.0
"Would recommend to others"
Sep 28, 2025
5.0
"Very positive info n outcome"
Sep 27, 2025
5.0
"I have always had a positive experience with City of Hope."
Sep 27, 2025
5.0
"Outstanding services"
Sep 27, 2025
5.0
"Outstanding Provider"
Sep 20, 2025
5.0
"Dr. Yim always goes over all my test results with me. He knew a possible upcoming chemotherapy and made a point to tell me to make sure they contacted him directly if there were any issues with my thyroid during this treatment. He made a big point to make sure I understood how important that was and I really appreciated it!"
Sep 20, 2025
5.0
"Dr. Yim is the finest of the physicians I have met and entrusted in my lifetime."
Sep 8, 2025
5.0
"My experience with all care providers are very good and abilities to contact them at anytime very easy .. Im very happy with city of hope"
Sep 5, 2025
5.0
"Very attentive"
Sep 1, 2025
4.9
"Always recommend"
Sep 1, 2025
4.9
"Dr Yim is very thorough and knowledgeable"
Sep 1, 2025
5.0
"Dr. Yim displayed the utmost interest in checking each of the 5 areas of concern and comparing them with the previous six month images. He described each and talked while showing the images on the screen. That time and attention was amazing and gave me a sense of peace that City of Hope was watching my condition closely. I would highly recommend Dr. Yim and City of Hope to all I speak with about health care."
Aug 31, 2025
5.0
"As always Dr Yim explains everything about my health in a way I understand. One of your best Drs there. Very pleased"
Aug 30, 2025
5.0
"Amazing"
Aug 16, 2025
5.0
"Dr Yim is amazing. He clearly discusses my Ultrasound so I can understand everything. Very personable!"
Aug 11, 2025
5.0
"Very good"
Aug 11, 2025
5.0
"All very well"
Aug 8, 2025
5.0
"Dr Yim is very informative and helpful"
Jul 26, 2025
5.0
"Dr. Yim is the best!"
Jul 22, 2025
5.0
"Dr. Yim was excellent. [...] Dr. Yim's consultation with us was very informative, thoroughly presenting my diagnostic results and explaining each part, as well as answering our questions. Dr. Yim spent a good amount of time with us to educate us and answer our questions. We are grateful for this type of care and did not feel rushed when we were with him. Thank you, Dr. Yim!"
Jul 16, 2025
5.0
"Dr Yim is a wonderful doctor and world class surgeon in treating Thyroid cancer. During the surgery, Dr Yim applied sophisticated techniques to carefully removed the cancer which almost encases the nerve. I am beyond grateful for what he did. My nerve Is preserved well and recovery is speedy. I also like his philosophy in treating Thyroid cancer. Since prognosis is not an issue, life quality of the patient should be emphasized and avoid over treatment."
Jul 9, 2025
5.0
"Dr. Yim was very concerned about the results of biopsy and talked to me about the surgery .. I felt as if I had a say in the surgery he was requesting since day one .. I feel secure in the doctors care.."
Jul 9, 2025
5.0
"Dr. Yim ought to teach classes to many other drs in patient bedside manner. Not only is he very intelligent in his field but caring and has a great sense of humor I can tell when I'm talking with him he does love his patients and job"
Jul 4, 2025
5.0
"Dr. Yim explains everything in detail. He's a great doctor."
Jul 4, 2025
5.0
"I have recommended your services to other people because of the high level of care provided here."
Jul 1, 2025
5.0
"Dr Yim is an amazing doctor who really cares about his patients. He always takes his time and addresses all of my questions and concerns."
Jun 22, 2025
5.0
"Dr. Yim is presently managing the healthcare of three of my family members. We think he's the absolute best and would highly recommend him to anyone"
Jun 18, 2025
5.0
"Dr. Yim explained everything to me about my parathyroid and I do understand the everything."