Michael P. Kimball, MD
Dr. Kimball is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon with fellowship training in sports medicine and arthroscopy. He also performs total knee and total hip replacements as well as hip resurfacing. Dr. Kimball is actively involved in both national and international teaching on total joint replacement, ACL reconstruction and arthroscopic shoulder surgery.
EDUCATION
- Undergraduate - Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA - B.A., Biology 1981
- Medical - George Washington University, Washington, DC - M.D. 1986
RESIDENCY
- Internship - University of Alabama Hospital, Birmingham, AL - General Surgical Internship 1986-1988
- Residency - University of Alabama Hospital, Birmingham, AL - Surgical Residency 1988-1992
- Fellowship - Institute for Bone and Joint Disorders, Phoenix, AZ - Bone and Joint Fellowship 1992-1993
HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS
- Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, CA
- Scripps Hospital Chula Vista, Chula Vista, CA
- Scripps Memorial Hospital, San Diego, CA
- Sharp Grossmont Hospital, La Mesa, CA
- La Jolla Orthopaedic Surgery Center
- University Ambulatory Surgery Center
- XIMED Surgery Center
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Year: 1995
- National Board of Medical Examiner: 1986
- Qualified Medical Examiner
PRACTICE FOCUS
General Orthopaedic surgeon with an area of specialty interest in arthroscopy and sports medicine, to include joint replacement
- Arthroscopy / Shoulder / Knee
- Sports Medicine
- Adult Hip Reconstruction
Total Hip Arthroplasty
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Hip Resurfacing
Total Knee Arthroplasty
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Partial Knee Replacement
- Navio Computer-Assisted Knee Replacement
Dr. Kimball has been treating my left knee for more than a decade with excellent results. He scoped my knee twice and then a few years later a brace was fitted for stability. All of the treatments helped me continue to work my physically demanding job as a TV News Videographer, play golf, garden and exercise. We knew I would ultimately need a total replacement. But when? Dr. Kimball always told me I would know when it was time for a knee replacement. I knew. The quality of my life and work was suffering. It was time for my 57 year old knee to be replaced.
My wife and I talked with Dr. Kimball about the procedure and recovery. We were confident and prepared. We agreed that I would be a good candidate as an outpatient and trusted his advice. I was home in 24 hours. This allowed me a quicker recovery time and ability to start physical therapy sooner. I continue to stretch and maintain an active lifestyle in my daily routine with full flexibility in my knee.
I highly recommend the outpatient procedure. I know it helped me tremendously.
I went back to work, with NO restrictions after only 7 weeks. I had to be at full strength to do my job and I was. I am required to work in every situation and terrain you can image with a video camera, tripod and gear, covering the news. I am occasionally tired and sore after a long day but now I feel ready to go again the next day when in the past it would take several days to recover.
I was playing golf within 6 months and I'm back to gardening. I have no problems doing ANYTHING.
Bruce P.
The last thing Robyn B. thought she would ever need was hip surgery. A world-class athlete, she's always been in great physical shape - always in-training and ready for the next race. Robyn has competed in Ironman Triathlons and week-long, 600-mile Adventure Races in remote corners of the world. However, several years ago while competing in Scotland, her leg started to bother her. By the end of her race, Robyn was in a lot of pain. Back home, in San Diego, Robyn met with our orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Michael Kimball. He recommended a new procedure, Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) - perfect for active patients who suffer from hip pain. BHR preserves more of the natural bone structure and stability than traditional hip implants. Recovery time is quicker, which was important to someone like Robyn. She was back to work as a San Diego firefighter in five weeks. Just in time to help fight the fires during Firestorm 2007.
Robyn B.
A great time was had by all. I should have had this surgery years ago as my hip has pretty much been bone on bone and in pain for the past two or so years. Dr. Kimball was a true professional. He explained what to expect leading up to the operation which went extremely well. As did physical therapy afterwards. His staff on both sides couldn’t be nicer and I would definitely recommend his office to anyone in my situation!
Bud H.
Dr. Kimball has been treating me for my knees and shoulders for the past eight years. Dr. Kimball is a master surgeon. He has fixed some problems that other orthopedic surgeons have misdiagnosed. He has done four surgeries on my knees and shoulders and I will soon be adding the fifth procedure for a total knee replacement. He always makes me laugh and feel right at home. I’ve never been worried about the treatment or surgeries he is about to perform. Dr. Kimball has also treated many of my fellow fireman that I have referred. I have been coming to his office so much, that I consider him more of a friend than my Doctor. Thanks for everything Bud!
Don R.
On 2017 I went to see Dr. Kimball for an orthopedic consultation. I knew I needed surgery for my right knee and Dr. Kimball performed surgery at Scripps Memorial Hospital. His care and knowledge and ability to perform such vital and precise procedures up to now amaze me. His professionalism and caring for each of his patients is great. In 2018 I went back to have my left knee replacement and Dr. Kimball took care of my knee for the second time. I can’t thank him enough for the gift he gave me to be able to walk normal and improve the quality of my life.
Martha P.
Approximately three years ago I noticed serious stiffness and lack of mobility in my left hip when working out, almost immediately unrelenting severe pain in this area set in. I had been a patient of Dr. Kimball for minor knee issues in the past, but brought my hip issues to the forefront. Dr. Kimball diagnosis was immediate, and accurate. My left hip required a hip replacement. The decision was not a question, I was having to use a can to walk, which negatively impacted my lumbar spine and I was totally overwhelmed by pain. The subsequent operation was unbelievably effective. I was walking and doing stairs (under Dr. Kimball’s guidance and the assistance of the physical therapist), the afternoon of the surgery. Absolutely no complications ensued, today I am pain free, working out including walking on a treadmill daily, but my story does not end here. About six months ago, my right hip completely failed, it seemed the pain and site complications were far worse than my left hip. Without a moment is hesitation I went to see Dr. Kimball. The right hip was replaced with the same results, walking the day of the operation, no complications, only missed one week of work. As I sit and pen this ‘Testimonial’ I can say I have honestly forgotten about the hip pain and have to remind myself I had both my hips replaced.
Michael P.