By Angela Higginbotham
angela@floridanewsline.com
Originally from Seoul, South Korea, Dr. Sonnie Kim-Ashchi first came to America to further her education. Prior to moving to the Southside in 1997, Ashchi first attended college in San Francisco, California, studying Anthropology and Art History. After a series of college schedule mishaps, Ashchi, unintentionally, found a new passion for science while in a chemistry class.
“Everything made sense during that class. I discovered a deeper love of science and went on to do well on the Medical College Admission Test and study medicine,” Ashchi said.
She graduated from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and serves as an OB/GYN at Women’s Special Care in Jacksonville. Ashchi and her husband of 21 years, Dr. Majdi Ashchi, have four children. They enjoy living in Deerwood Country Club.
- What do you appreciate most about living on the Southside?
My family is very active and we just love the area. There’s so much to do and enjoy when living and working in Jacksonville. We love going to the beach.
2.What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I’m called the Energizer Bunny at the hospital. I workout a lot. I enjoy yoga, pilates, cycling and other things. Exercising is my outlet for stress. I also love to travel. I try to go somewhere about every three months to fill my mojo. We are looking forward to a cruise to Belize soon.
- What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?
I’m very proud to be a surgeon, but definitely being a mom is my greatest accomplishment. Being a mom is the best thing ever.
- What is the best and worst part of your profession?
I’ve always told my husband that if I ever complain when the nurse calls me to go to the hospital, then it’s time for me to quit. I love literally everything about my job. I don’t even call it a job; it’s a lifestyle. I love my relationships with patients. I love that I can be in a room with four generations of women and deliver the fifth generation. Support from family is very important and I am blessed to have that. My kids always understand when we need to leave the zoo, a movie, or anywhere else early so that I can get to the hospital.
- Where would you most like to visit while traveling?
My favorite place that I’ve visited is Italy. I was first an art major, so I love it there. I would love to go back to the Uffizi Gallery, put on the headphones, and enjoy every part of the museum without distractions. That is a dream I have.
Photo courtesy Dr. Sonnie Kim-Ashchi
Dr. Sonnie Kim-Ashchi with children Andrew (19), Andrea (14), twins Ayden and Ashton (10) and husband, Dr. Majdi Ashchi.
