Kaung M. Ko, MD, MPH, CPH
Dr. Kaung M. Ko, MD, MPH, CPH, is a board-certified family medicine physician practicing at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center in New York, where he has developed a comprehensive clinical and academic career over the past several years.
Born outside the United States and raised across multiple countries and U.S. states, Dr. Ko’s diverse upbringing has shaped his commitment to primary care, cultural competency, and community-centered medicine. He completed his medical degree at St. George’s University, followed by clinical training and rotations across high-acuity hospitals in Newark, Jersey City, and Brooklyn.
Dr. Ko completed his Family Medicine residency at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, where he was influenced by strong mentorship, a collaborative training environment, and a deep sense of community engagement. Following residency, he chose to remain at the institution, where he now serves in multiple clinical and leadership capacities. His current roles include providing outpatient care at Summit 200 Clinic on Williams Road, practicing inpatient hospital medicine as a hospitalist, and serving as a behavioral health medical examiner supporting inpatient psychiatric services.
He also holds an academic appointment as Associate Program Director for the Family Medicine Residency Program, working closely with Program Director Dr. Jeffrey Burnett and Program Coordinator Ms. Megan Wentland to support physician education, curriculum development, and residency training operations.
In addition to his clinical and academic responsibilities, Dr. Ko holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) and is Certified in Public Health (CPH), reflecting his dedication to preventive medicine, population health, and health system improvement. He is an active member of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and the American Medical Association (AMA).
Beyond medicine, Dr. Ko maintains a strong creative presence as a singer, producer, and artist, with original music available on Apple Music and other platforms. He is also listed on IMDb (Internet Movie Database), reflecting his involvement in creative media and entertainment. His diverse interests in music, technology, and the arts complement his passion for communication, education, and community engagement.
He integrates his creative work into his professional life as a means of strengthening communication, empathy, and connection with patients and communities he serves.
• St. George's University - MPH, Public Health
• St. George's University - MD, Medicine
• UC Irvine - BS, in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Board Certified in Family Medicine
• MPH (Master of Public Health)
• CPH (Certified in Public Health)
• GCP for Clinical Trials with Investigational Drugs and Medical Devices (U.S. FDA Focus)
• Biomedical (Biomed) Comprehensive
• Public Health Officer
• American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)
• American Medical Association (AMA)
• Niagara Falls Memorial
• Order of Healers & Warriors of St. John of Jerusalem, of Palestine, of Rhodes, and of Malta
• Community outreach programs
Ko, K. M., Colca, M., John, A., LaPierre, C., & Ely, M. N. (2026, June). Effect of management of depression/anxiety on antidiabetic medication adherence beneficial to subsequent diabetic control. Poster presented at the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Annual Resident & Faculty Research Day, Niagara Falls, NY. (Presented as Associate Program Director).
Ko, K. M., John, A., LaPierre, C., & Ely, M. N. (2025). Effect of management of depression/anxiety on antidiabetic medication adherence beneficial to subsequent diabetic control. Poster presented at the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Annual Resident & Faculty Research Day, Niagara Falls, NY.
Ko, K. M. & Ely, M. N. (2024). Effect of management of depression/anxiety on antidiabetic medication adherence beneficial to subsequent diabetic control. Poster presented at the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Annual Resident & Faculty Research Day, Niagara Falls, NY.
Ko, K. M. (2023). Effect of management of depression/anxiety on antidiabetic medication adherence beneficial to subsequent diabetic control. Poster presented at the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Annual Resident & Faculty Research Day, Niagara Falls, NY.
Ko, K. M. (2020, April). Understanding the COVID-19 pandemic. St. George’s University School of Public Health, Master of Public Health Program. (Mentor: O. Edwards)
Ko, K. M. (2020, February). Exercise and its beneficial effects on insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A narrative review. St. George’s University School of Public Health, Master of Public Health Program. (Mentor: R. Scribner)
Ko, K. M., & Roberts, S. (2008, May). Antibiotics (tobramycin and polymyxin) resistance in Staphylococcus aureus and effectiveness of these antibiotics. Paper presented at Saddleback College’s 6th Annual Biology Scientific Conference.
Areas of Specialization/Expertise
- Family Medicine
- Primary Care
- Hospital Medicine
- Behavioral Health Medical Examiner
- Associate Program Director of Niagara Falls Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program
- Public Health Officer
What do you enjoy most about practicing medicine?
I've always wanted to help others, and I found that primary care is my main interest. Growing up and moving around from countries to countries and through different states, I discovered that primary care is something we really need to focus on to give back to the community and help cure and prevent illness. That's one of the reasons I'm also certified in public health. I think my creative side really helps me connect with any type of patient population. Even in hospital care where most cases are acute and patients are coming in with urgent needs, I can relate to them, and my creative side helps me build connections and rapport relationships with any type of patients. I also participate in community outreach programs, and being able to connect with the community is very meaningful to me.