Advancing cardiovascular medicine through urgency, excellence, and a relentless focus on patient-centered solutions.
Herman K. Kado, MD, FACC, FSCAI, RPVI has built a career defined by both clinical excellence and a commitment to innovation in cardiovascular medicine. A distinguished interventional cardiologist and leader in vascular interventions, Dr. Kado partners with Profound Research through Michigan Healthcare Professionals (MHP), where he brings a passion for advancing patient care through evidence-based innovation and a vision for shaping the future of cardiovascular treatment.
A Journey Rooted in Curiosity and Innovation
Dr. Kado’s journey in clinical research began during his fellowship years. Immersed in the daily decision-making of the catheterization lab, he quickly recognized how much of modern interventional cardiology rests on the data and discoveries of investigators who came before him. “I became fascinated by how clinical trials can move the needle from ‘what we think works’ to ‘what we know works,’” he recalls. For him, clinical research offered a pathway to not only apply best practices but also to generate the evidence that defines them. Becoming a Principal Investigator was, as he describes, “a natural step and an opportunity to be on the front line of shaping evidence, not just applying it.”
Expertise and Research Focus
Dr. Kado is internationally recognized for his expertise in treating pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis using advanced catheter-based techniques. His leadership extends to multiple ongoing pulmonary embolism trials where he serves as Principal Investigator, helping to drive the development of new standards of care. His research interests also include peripheral arterial disease, with a special focus on patients suffering from critical limb ischemia and limb-threatening conditions.
At the same time, Dr. Kado maintains a robust clinical practice, treating patients with hypertension, dyslipidemia, heart failure, and coronary artery disease. This dual role of caring for patients while investigating new therapeutic approaches gives him a unique perspective. “What excites me most is the opportunity to be part of trials that redefine standards of care,” he says. “Each study is a chance to move beyond incremental gains and make a real impact on patients’ survival and quality of life.”
Partnership with Profound Research
When asked why he chose to collaborate with Profound Research, Dr. Kado points to the alignment of values and culture. “The culture is very aligned with what I value: efficiency, collaboration, and genuine commitment to patient-centered outcomes,” he explains. “Instead of getting bogged down in bureaucracy, Profound prioritizes making trials accessible and meaningful, both for investigators and patients. That is rare, and it is exactly the type of environment I want to contribute to.”
This perspective highlights how Profound’s mission to improve lives by providing advanced therapeutic options intersects directly with Dr. Kado’s work. By enrolling patients in innovative studies and testing cutting-edge therapies, he ensures that individuals who might otherwise have limited or suboptimal options gain access to treatments years before they become widely available.
Living the Values of Clinical Research
Profound Research’s core values of Compassion, Urgency, Solution Orientation, and Excellence resonate strongly with Dr. Kado. To him, these are not abstract concepts but guiding principles that mirror the realities of both patient care and research.
“Compassion drives me to remember that every datapoint in a trial is actually someone’s story,” he reflects. Urgency is equally critical. “Cardiovascular disease does not wait, and our research cannot either.” His solution-oriented mindset is deeply tied to his specialty. “Interventional cardiology is about finding a way forward, innovating in real time when challenges arise.” And finally, excellence is what ensures that research produces not just results, but results that are rigorous, reliable, and impactful.
A Life Beyond Medicine
Despite his demanding professional life, Dr. Kado remains grounded by family and personal interests. He treasures his time with his wife and children, who remind him of the bigger picture behind his work. “They keep me grounded,” he says, “and remind me why advancing care for future patients matters so much.” He also enjoys staying active and spending time outdoors, which helps him recharge for the intensity of his dual roles as physician and investigator.
Looking Ahead
Dr. Kado’s career exemplifies the spirit of clinical research: bridging the gap between innovation and patient care, between scientific inquiry and human outcomes. His work at Profound Research ensures that patients today have access to therapies once reserved for the future, while also building an evidence base that will guide tomorrow’s cardiologists.
For Dr. Kado, the ultimate reward lies in the patients whose lives are improved by the research he helps lead. Every study, every datapoint, and every trial is a step closer to a world where cardiovascular disease can be treated with greater safety, precision, and hope.