About Our Physician Investigators | Horizon Clinical Research San Diego

Our Philosophy

Quality and integrity — in every study we conduct.

We believe clinical research should be conducted with the same rigor and care you'd expect in an operating room. Every protocol, every patient interaction, every data point reflects our commitment to doing things right.

Located in La Mesa, California, we serve the greater San Diego region and have built a reputation for fast startup, exceptional enrollment, and meticulous execution. Sponsors know: when Horizon joins a study, it gets done — and done right.

Our patient database is extensive, our community relationships are deep, and our investigators are actively practicing physicians who understand what patients are going through.

Research Scope

Therapeutic areas we cover:

▸ Orthopedics (knee, shoulder, hip, spine)
▸ Sports medicine & joint preservation
▸ Regenerative medicine & stem cell therapies
▸ Women's health & gynecology
▸ Podiatry & dermatology
▸ Gastroenterology & endocrine
▸ Obesity & metabolic conditions
▸ Contraception research

Leadership

Our Principal Investigators

What sets Horizon apart is physician-led research. Our investigators don't just sign off on protocols — they actively practice in the specialties they study.

Scott A. Hacker, M.D., M.S.

Principal Investigator • Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr. Hacker is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with over 20 years of private practice experience, specializing in sports medicine, joint replacement, robotic-assisted surgery, and regenerative medicine.

B.S. & M.S. in Engineering — UC San Diego
Medical degree — UC Irvine School of Medicine
Orthopedic residency — Seattle, WA
Sports medicine fellowship — Steadman Hawkins Clinic, Vail, Colorado
Principal Investigator, FDA Phase II & III orthopedic trials

Mona K. Hacker, M.D.

Principal Investigator • Family Medicine

Dr. Hacker is a board-certified family medicine physician with over 20 years in the clinical trial space — an unusual depth that makes her one of the most experienced investigators in the region across multiple therapeutic areas.

Medical degree — UC Irvine School of Medicine
Residency in family medicine — Seattle, WA
Principal & sub-investigator on 100+ clinical trials
Experience spanning orthopedics, women's health, GI, endocrine, dermatology, and more

Why Choose Horizon

What makes us different

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Consistent Over-Enrollment

Sponsors choose us because we hit targets. Over-enrollment is the norm, not the exception.

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Fast Study Startup

We have a reputation for rapid IRB submission, site activation, and first-patient-in timelines.

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Physician-Investigator Led

Unlike CRO-run sites, our PIs are practicing surgeons and physicians — deeply invested in the science.

A research site built by physicians, for patients.