January 26, 2022

Meet Kym Gomez, PA

Physician Assistant, Orthopedic Injury Clinic 

Kym is a physician assistant and sees patients at the Orthopedic Center in Chesterfield and Progress West.

Where are you from?

I am from Evansville, Indiana. I came to St. Louis to attend Saint Louis University's physician assistant program in 1994. After graduation, I stayed and started working.

What made you choose orthopedics as a specialty?

I loved my surgical rotations while in PA school, especially ortho. I like to fix things and ortho seemed to be a great fit. 

What brought you to Washington University Orthopedics?

I was in a large private practice for over 20 years before coming here. With too many changes at the company, I needed to find a new home. Dr. Goldfarb really helped make me feel this was the right choice. I have been here a little over two years. There have been adjustments, but I have found so much appreciation for this department, physicians and staff.  

What aspect of your practice do you find more interesting or rewarding? 

My reason for being in the medical field has always been to help others. I find great joy when I know I have made a difference to those I treat. My favorite aspect is treating acute injuries and getting people back to activities they love.

What ages do you treat? 

Ages two and up. 

What is the biggest difference in treating patients of different ages? 

I find the most joy with pediatric patients. For the most part, they want to be better to be able to return to activity. This can bring some challenges too; holding them back from activity when it is needed is tough.  I find my non-pediatric injured patients are so grateful for my care. That is what makes this job rewarding - when patients get back to living their life and are grateful for your help in getting them to that goal.

What is the best advice you ever received and who/what was it from? 

My best advice was from my parents: Become something you enjoy. Work is hard and if you don’t enjoy what you do, it makes it that much harder.   

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? 

Outside of work, I enjoy time outdoors. Most of my time is spent with my daughter and her activities as a freshman in high school. I love watching her at dance competitions and school-related activities. 

If you weren't a physician assistant, what would you like to be doing?

I have thought I should have become a vet since I am a huge animal lover. Lately, with all my home projects, I have thought about interior design, too! So many things I want to do. 

Anything else you'd like to share? 

I have been married for almost 25 years, my husband is also a PA. I have one daughter and two step sons. My love for dogs stops with two since my husband will not let me bring anymore home. Traveling has been my favorite thing to do, and with a trip out west this past summer, I look forward to many more trips! 

To contact the Washington University Injury Clinic, call (314) 514-1642 or make an appointment online.