James Kirkpatrick, M.D., is a board certified physician, director of the Echocardiography Laboratory at UW Medical Center, a UW associate professor of Medicine and Cardiology and an adjunct associate professor of Bioethics and Humanities.

 Dr. Kirkpatrick earned his M.D. from Loma Linda University, California. He is triple board certified in Cardiovascular Disease, Echocardiography and Internal Medicine. His clinical and research interests include echocardiography for patients with or at risk for heart failure, patients with cardiac assist devices, patients from medically underserved areas and the measurement of pressures inside the heart, cardiac palliative care and clinical medical ethics in cardiology.

With a background in surgical device sales, local politics and social entrepreneurship, John Michael found a role within the UW Heart Institute that brings all of those passions, experience and skill-sets together.   He is an advocate for inquiry and excited for the opportunity to share some of the stories within the hospital walls that don't get told.