Leading Vascular
Care Experts

Six board-certified specialists delivering advanced minimally invasive vascular care to Kern County since 1992. Click any card to view the full profile.

MEDICAL DIRECTOR & FOUNDER

Dr. Vinod Kumar, MD

Vascular and Joint Pain Specialist

Dr. Vinod Kumar is a distinguished interventional cardiovascular specialist with over 30 years of experience in vascular medicine. He serves as the Medical Director and Founder of Heart Vascular and Leg Center (HVLC) in Bakersfield – a role he has held since establishing the practice in 1992.

Dr. Kumar completed his Interventional Cardiology fellowship at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, following a Cardiology fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine under Dr. Michael DeBakey – the pioneer of modern cardiovascular surgery. He holds six board certifications spanning Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Interventional Cardiology, Nuclear Cardiology, Vascular Medicine, and Endovascular Medicine.

He trained directly with Dr. Yuji Okuno in Tokyo, Japan – the physician who invented Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) – on three separate visits, making him the only Bakersfield specialist with this direct training lineage. He has brought minimally invasive treatments to Kern County that once required patients to travel to Los Angeles or Stanford.

Over his career at HVLC, Dr. Kumar has treated over 10,000 patients across Kern County – delivering advanced endovascular care for peripheral artery disease, vein disease, chronic knee pain, plantar fasciitis, and hemorrhoidal conditions.

Medical Degree

  • Pt. B.D. Sharma Postgrad Institute of Medical Science (1979-1985)

Residency

  • Wayne State University School of Medicine (1987-1989)

Fellowship

  • Cardiology – Baylor College of Medicine (1989-1991)
  • Interventional Cardiology – UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine / UCLA Medical Center (1991-1992)

Advanced Procedural Training

  • Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) – trained directly with Dr. Yuji Okuno, Tokyo, Japan (three separate visits)
  • Physician of the Year – United States Congress (2003)
  • Ronald Reagan Gold Medal Award for Outstanding Community Service (2004)
  • Crystal Heart Award – Outstanding of the Year (1994)
  • Danny O’Neil Memorial Award (1998)
  • Physician of the Year – Kern Physician Assistant Association, KNPPAA (1999)
  • National Merit Scholarship – Medical School Years
  • KGET News Featured Physician – Bakersfield, CA
  • UCLA Featured Physician

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

Gerardo Murguia,
PA-C

Vascular Care

Patient Management

Gerardo Murguia is a certified physician assistant specializing in vascular care at Heart Vascular and Leg Center in Bakersfield. He plays a central role in patient assessment, pre-procedure preparation, and ongoing management for patients undergoing vascular treatments across HVLC’s Bakersfield clinic.

Working closely with Dr. Kumar and the physician team, Gerardo ensures continuity of care across consultations, procedures, and follow-up appointments. He is committed to clear communication – making sure every patient understands their condition, their procedure, and what to expect at each step of their care.

  • Vascular patient assessment and pre-procedure evaluation
  • Post-procedure monitoring and wound care
  • PAD risk factor education and management
  • Chronic limb wound assessment and ongoing care
  • Patient education – explaining conditions, procedures, and recovery
  • Coordination of follow-up care and long-term treatment planning
  • Support for GAE, PFE, and embolization procedure patients

As a physician assistant, Gerardo works directly under the supervision of Dr. Kumar and serves as a key point of contact for HVLC patients throughout their treatment journey. His work spans consultations, in-procedure support, and post-procedure follow-up – ensuring patients feel supported at every stage.

FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER

Elsita Mathew,
FNP-C

Patient Management

Vascular Care

Elsita Mathew is a certified family nurse practitioner at Heart Vascular and Leg Center in Bakersfield. She provides comprehensive patient care across HVLC’s clinic, supporting the physician team in delivering thorough, patient-centered vascular care to Kern County patients.

Elsita brings a holistic and patient-centered approach to care – focusing on patient education, chronic disease prevention, and coordination of care for patients with vascular and cardiovascular conditions. She is known for her warmth and ability to explain complex medical information clearly and accessibly.

  • Comprehensive patient assessments and initial consultations
  • Chronic disease management – diabetes, hypertension, and PAD risk reduction
  • Patient education on vascular conditions, procedures, and recovery
  • Preventive vascular health and risk factor modification
  • Pre-procedure preparation and patient readiness assessment
  • Post-procedure follow-up coordination
  • Medication management and care plan adjustments

As a family nurse practitioner, Elsita works across the full patient care spectrum at HVLC – from initial consultation and risk assessment through to long-term follow-up and ongoing management. She is a trusted care partner for patients managing complex chronic conditions alongside their vascular treatment.

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

NP Magdalene Tanyi Epse
Ayuk

Vascular Care

Patient Management

NP Magdalene Tanyi Epse Ayuk is a nurse practitioner specializing in vascular care at Heart Vascular and Leg Center in Bakersfield. She provides compassionate, patient-focused care with an emphasis on patient education, empowerment, and support throughout the treatment process.

Magdalene works with patients at every stage of their care journey – from initial consultation and risk assessment through procedure preparation and long-term follow-up. Her approach is grounded in clear communication and ensuring that every patient feels informed and confident about their treatment.

  • Vascular patient assessment and care coordination
  • Patient education – vascular conditions, PAD, wound care, and procedure expectations
  • Cardiovascular and vascular risk factor assessment and management
  • Pre-procedure preparation and patient readiness evaluation
  • Post-procedure monitoring and recovery support
  • Long-term care planning and ongoing follow-up
  • Coordination between physician team and patients

As a nurse practitioner, Magdalene serves as a central point of contact and support for patients across all stages of their vascular care at HVLC. She works within a collaborative team model alongside Dr. Kumar and the physician and advanced practice team, ensuring every patient receives consistent, coordinated, and compassionate care.

INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOVASCULAR

Dr. Newton Phuong,
MD

PAD

Vascular Testing

Endovascular

Dr. Newton Phuong is an interventional cardiovascular specialist at Heart Vascular and Leg Center in Bakersfield. He works alongside Dr. Kumar and the HVLC team to deliver comprehensive vascular care to patients across Kern County.

Dr. Phuong brings expertise in endovascular medicine and vascular diagnostics, with a clinical focus on peripheral artery disease, non-invasive vascular testing, and minimally invasive endovascular procedures. He is committed to delivering same-day outpatient care that keeps patients out of the hospital and back to their lives quickly.

  • Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) – diagnosis and treatment
  • Non-invasive vascular testing and duplex ultrasound
  • Angioplasty and stent placement
  • Atherectomy for calcified arterial disease
  • Diagnostic angiogram
  • Chronic limb-threatening ischemia management
  • Vascular diagnostic imaging

Dr. Phuong approaches every patient with a thorough diagnostic evaluation before recommending any intervention. His goal is to accurately identify the cause of the patient’s vascular symptoms and select the most appropriate minimally invasive treatment – ensuring the best possible outcome with the least disruption to the patient’s daily life.

INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGIST

Dr. Mark Le,
MD

Vascular and Joint Pain Procedures.

Dr. Mark Le is an interventional cardiovascular specialist at Heart Vascular and Leg Center in Bakersfield. He brings expertise in both arterial and venous disease, with a clinical focus on chronic venous insufficiency, varicose vein treatment, and peripheral artery disease.

Dr. Le performs the full range of minimally invasive vein and arterial treatments at HVLC, working closely with the physician team to deliver same-day outpatient care without hospital admission. He is committed to ensuring every patient leaves with a clear understanding of their condition and their treatment options.

Dr. Le believes that a thorough diagnosis is the foundation of good vascular care. He works with patients to understand their symptoms, confirm a diagnosis through appropriate imaging, and recommend the most targeted minimally invasive treatment available – whether that is an arterial or venous intervention.

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5020 Commerce Dr

5020 Commerce Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93309

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