Dr. Noelle Hoven Thrives in Training Future Radiologists

It wasn't that long ago that Noelle Hoven, MD, was a radiology resident herself, so she understands the challenges of completing graduate medical education. She is passionate about teaching and mentoring residents, sharing her experience and expertise with them to train the next generation of physicians.

Now an assistant professor in the Department of Radiology at the University of Minnesota Medical School, Hoven works to mold radiology residents into competent, compassionate and responsible doctors who serve their patients well. Hoven is there for them, whether they are struggling with working under pressure, taking call, learning massive amounts of information or finding their way in taking care of patients. She tries to guide them, foster their success and make learning fun.

“I am really excited about teaching new cohorts of physicians year after year who are going to go out and affect the lives of other patients they see in a very vulnerable state. I want to train them properly to do that,” Hoven says. “And as a junior faculty member, I’m approachable. I want to serve as a friendly face for the residents and support them.”

Deeply Minnesota

Hoven’s education is pure Minnesota. she graduated from the University of Minnesota Medical School, did her residency in diagnostic radiology at the University and then completed a fellowship in breast imaging. She found her home in academic medicine at the University, inspired by the opportunity to treat patients with complex and varied medical issues.

She appreciates that academic medicine at the University also provides the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across specialties and take advantage of innovative technology. “I think a combination of those things allow me to provide exceptional care to my patients,” Hoven notes.

Having completed all of her medical training at the University, the Medical School feels like home to Hoven. But, there were other reasons she wanted to stay. She welcomes the shift in leadership and culture that places value on researchers, clinical translational research, basic science research and clinical service.

This is layered on top of other important objectives, including “a constant quest for new knowledge, better therapies, new technology,” Hoven says. “There is an expectation that we can always do more, and we can always be better.”

Driven by excellence

She feeds off of the energy on campus, which combines Midwestern friendliness with a dogged pursuit of excellence and progress. “Medicine is always changing,” Hoven adds. “I like that I’m part of an institution that recognizes the value in that and always strives to be better.”

Hoven was exposed to medical careers through her mother, a former nurse, and says there is nothing else she’d rather do. “I think of medicine as a calling,” she says. “I can’t think of any job that combines working with new learners - being able to influence and help shape them to go out into the world - and help patients have a diagnosis and feel better. It’s the best of both worlds.”