Bruce Kimura, MD

Bruce Kimura, MD, is a cardiologist with more than 30 years of experience in bedside diagnosis and cardiac ultrasound. He serves as director of echocardiography at Scripps Mercy Hospital and is nationally recognized for pioneering the use of handheld ultrasound in cardiac examinations. He coined the terms “cardiovascular limited ultrasound exam (CLUE)” and “ultrasound-augmented physical examination,” helping to shape the way point-of-care ultrasound is understood and taught. Over the course of his career, he has lectured extensively throughout the United States, Europe and Asia, and has authored more than 75 peer-reviewed articles, five textbook chapters and a book on point-of-care ultrasound.

A dedicated educator, Dr. Kimura developed the first cardiac ultrasound CLUE training program for a general internal medicine residency and has earned recognition as an award-winning teacher to hundreds of resident physicians. His current research focuses on expanding the reach of point-of-care ultrasound through artificial intelligence and telehealth, with the goal of helping new learners detect heart disease not only in clinics and hospitals, but also in patients’ homes and in underserved areas with limited access to healthcare.

At the center of Dr. Kimura’s passion for cardiology is his private practice, where he remains deeply committed to performing the most advanced bedside cardiac examination possible. Using his ultrasound device much like a stethoscope, he has identified numerous unsuspected abnormalities during routine office visits and hospital rounds, including small cholesterol plaques in the carotid arteries, fatty liver disease and even cancers. His excellence in patient care and clinical skill has earned him the rare distinction of “Master” status from the American College of Physicians, and he has been voted a “Top Doctor” by his peers in the San Diego Medical Society for 20 consecutive years.

Outside of medicine, research and teaching, Dr. Kimura enjoys sports, exercise, and spending time with family and friends.