A Legacy of Care: Dr. Frank Malin’s Enduring Commitment to Saint Francis
Foundation News & Updates
With over four decades of experience as a cardiologist at Saint Francis Hospital, Dr. Frank Malin brings an extraordinary depth of institutional knowledge and community commitment to the Saint Francis Foundation Board. Currently serving as Chair of the Foundation’s Grants Committee, Dr. Malin offers a unique perspective shaped by both his long medical career and his longstanding involvement with the hospital’s leadership.
Dr. Malin’s connection to Saint Francis began in the late 1970s after completing his cardiology fellowship at UCSF. He joined the private practice of Dr. Herb Moffitt—one of Saint Francis’ foundational figures and a co-founder of the Saint Francis Foundation. Through their partnership, Dr. Malin became familiar with the Foundation from its earliest days. Though he initially focused on his medical practice, he remained engaged by giving talks and supporting Foundation events until officially joining the Board over a decade ago.
During his time as a physician, Dr. Malin also held a variety of leadership roles at the hospital, including Chair of the Hospital Board of Trustees, Chief of Medicine, and Chief of Staff. That experience has deeply informed his work on the Foundation Board, particularly in his leadership of the Grants Committee.
A testament to his impact, the Dr. Frank Malin Intensive Care Unit at Saint Francis Hospital was named in his honor following a generous gift from longtime supporter Charles Gibbs.
Often described as a “doctor’s doctor,” Dr. Malin is known for his generosity, mentorship, and clinical brilliance. “Frank Malin is a wonderful person. He is an outstanding cardiologist,” says Dr. Guido Gores.
“He was always there for his patients, partners, colleagues, and hospitals. He gave liberally of his time, knowledge, and heart. His example made me a better doctor. He did it all with grace, compassion, and wisdom.”
Dr. Andrew Wang echoes that sentiment: “Dr. Malin is a brilliant cardiologist who was truly beloved by his many patients he cared for over decades at Saint Francis Medical Group. He was always gracious and eager to help his younger colleagues in his practice.”
As Grants Chair, Dr. Malin has seen firsthand how Foundation support fuels both hospital innovation and critical community health efforts. From funding major equipment purchases to supporting neighborhood-based initiatives like the Curry Senior Center’s tech center and the Larkin Street Youth Clinic, he is proud of the Foundation’s wide-reaching impact. “It’s easy to focus solely on the hospital, but we can’t forget that improving community health is just as vital.”
Reflecting on the Foundation’s legacy, Dr. Malin says one of its great strengths is its ability to support both the hospital and the neighborhood it serves. “There’s the old saying that when you’re on Pine Street, you’re on Nob Hill—and when you’re on Bush Street, you’re in the Tenderloin. Saint Francis straddles both,” he explains. “We have a responsibility to care for everyone who walks through our doors, and the Foundation plays a big role in making that possible.”
Among the most rewarding aspects of serving on the board, Dr. Malin highlights the camaraderie and connection built through events like retreats and the Foundation’s beloved Hob Nob gala. “It’s been a great group of people—not just physicians, but thoughtful board members from all walks of life. That mix makes our work stronger.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Malin hopes the Foundation will continue to find meaningful ways to serve both the hospital and the broader community.