Driving Innovation in Cardiology: Dr. Patrick McGinty’s Role in Community-Based Research

San Diego-based cardiologist shares his journey into clinical research, what drives his work as a Principal Investigator, and how partnering with Profound Research is helping bring innovative therapies to patients.

Meet Dr. Patrick McGinty, a board-certified cardiologist with San Diego Cardiovascular Associates (SDCVA) and one of the newest Principal Investigators partnering with Profound Research. With a background that spans academic research, clinical care, and a deep commitment to advancing cardiovascular health, Dr. McGinty brings a thoughtful and mission-driven perspective to every study he leads. In this spotlight, we explore his journey into clinical research, what fuels his passion for discovery, and why he believes community-based research is a powerful tool for improving lives.

1. Can you share a bit about your journey in clinical research? What inspired you to become a PI?
I had the privilege of working as a clinical research assistant in Boston after completing my undergraduate degree and dabbling in basic science research. The teams I worked with were involved in some of the largest clinical trials in cardiovascular medicine, which spurred my interest in going from bench to bedside. That experience led me to pursue a medical degree and, later, cardiology training.

Throughout medical training, I stayed engaged in smaller investigator-initiated protocols and scientific writing. But as I transitioned from training into private practice, the time and resources to stay actively involved in research became harder to access. That’s part of what makes my current work as a PI so meaningful.

2. What are your primary areas of interest in clinical research, and what excites you most about the studies you lead?
Robert Kennedy once said, “Some men see things as they are and say why. I dream of things that never were and say why not.” I think both mindsets are essential to medicine—especially medical research.

I’m fascinated by the ongoing questions around what it means to be healthy and what contributes to disease. Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, which is why I chose cardiology. My research focuses on cardiovascular therapeutics targeting the most impactful, modifiable risk factors—like lipid abnormalities, hypertension, and diabetes.

What excites me is the potential to improve therapies—not just in terms of outcomes, but also safety, tolerability, efficiency, accessibility, and cost. At the end of the day, it’s about improving health outcomes on a large scale.

3. Why did you choose to partner with Profound Research, and what stands out to you about our approach to clinical trials?
San Diego Cardiovascular Associates has had meaningful—but at times inconsistent—involvement in clinical research over the years. We’ve been fortunate to consider Profound’s Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Greg Sahagian, both a colleague and a friend. He’s long been a trusted provider in our community.

When the opportunity to collaborate with Profound arose, our partners at SDCVA were unanimous in their support. We saw it as a chance to re-engage in research with the infrastructure and expertise we needed to do it right.

4. Profound Research is committed to improving lives by providing advanced therapeutic options. How do you see your work contributing to this mission?
Our mission at SDCVA is to deliver expertise, empathy, and excellence in cardiovascular care, which aligns closely with Profound’s values—especially compassion and excellence.

Profound has helped fill in the missing pieces for our group by providing operational and administrative support. Their solution-oriented mindset and sense of urgency have enabled us to reestablish a high-quality research program that makes a real impact.

5. Outside of your work as a physician and Principal Investigator, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I’m blessed with a loving and supportive family and a close-knit network of friends who probably don’t get as much of my attention as they deserve. I also live in what I consider America’s most beautiful city, so I try to get outside as often as I can. With San Diego’s weather, that’s possible almost every day of the year.

Dr. McGinty’s approach to clinical research reflects the heart of Profound’s mission: improving lives by providing advanced therapeutic options. His curiosity, compassion, and pursuit of excellence embody the values we hold as a company—and we’re proud to support his work in driving progress in cardiovascular care. Whether he’s in the clinic, the hospital, or soaking up sunshine in San Diego, Dr. McGinty continues to ask the right questions—and to seek the answers that make a difference.