Thomas E. Noel, MD, Honored with the 2025 Thomas L. Hicks, M.D. Outstanding Physician Award

A Legacy of Leadership, Innovation, and Compassion

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) is proud to announce that Thomas E. Noel, MD, is the recipient of The Capital Medical Society’s prestigious 2025 Thomas L. Hicks, M.D. Outstanding Physician Award. This distinguished honor is awarded to physicians who demonstrate exceptional leadership, community service, clinical excellence and dedication to medical education. Dr. Noel's career is a testament to these values, making him a well-deserving recipient of this esteemed recognition.

A Visionary in Cardiology

Dr. Noel has dedicated his career to advancing cardiovascular care, particularly in the areas of interventional cardiology, general cardiology and structural heart procedures. Serving as Chair of the Southern Medical Group (SMG) Cardiology Division (2019-2024) and Chair of the SMG/TMH Heart and Vascular Service Line Co-Management Program and having previously served as President of SMG (2018-2020), he has been instrumental in expanding cardiac services across the Florida Panhandle and into Georgia. 

Under his leadership, TMH has achieved ACC’s Transcatheter Valve Certification and secured the certification of the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) program in 2024. Dr. Noel’s dedication to pioneering advanced technologies is evident in his research on renal denervation for resistant hypertension and mitral valve clip repair, as well as his role in initiating Tallahassee’s first transcatheter mitral valve replacement procedure.

A Mentor and Advocate for the Next Generation

Dr. Noel’s impact extends beyond patient care. He is a respected mentor and educator, regularly working with students and residents to shape the future of cardiology. His passion for teaching and clinical excellence ensures that the next generation of physicians benefit from his knowledge, experience and encouragement.

A Leader in the Community and Beyond

Beyond the hospital, Dr. Noel remains deeply engaged in the community. He serves on the TMH Board of Directors and actively supports the TMH Foundation. His philanthropic contributions include sponsorship of the Tallahassee Tennis Challenger’s annual fundraiser, reflecting his commitment to both healthcare and community development.

During the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Noel’s leadership was pivotal. He provided steady guidance, ensuring that TMH staff and providers navigated uncertain times with sound decision-making and organized, thoughtful discussions.

Colleagues’ Praise for Dr. Noel

Dr. Noel’s colleagues describe him as an exceptional leader, clinician and mentor:

• “Dr. Noel played a pivotal role in establishing the region’s first structural heart program, profoundly impacting our community. His innovation, technical expertise, and leadership make him truly deserving of this award.” – Wayne Batchelor, MD, MHS, MBA
• “Tom combines innovative skills with exceptional clinical judgment.” – J. Galt Allee, MD
• “Dr. Noel is a beacon of excellence, admired for his unwavering dedication, deep knowledge, and compassionate approach.” – Venkata Bavikati, MD
• “I’ve learned what a true physician leader should be by observing Dr. Noel. He leads with integrity and a strong moral compass while uplifting those around him.” – Andres Vargas, MD

A Personal Look at Dr. Noel

Dr. Noel’s journey into medicine was deeply personal. At the age of 16, he witnessed a close family member suffer a fatal heart attack, a moment that inspired his career in cardiology. Despite financial obstacles, he persevered through college and medical school, earning his Doctor of Medicine with Research Honors from the University of Florida before completing his Internal Medicine Residency, Cardiology Fellowship and Interventional Cardiology Fellowship at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Medical College of Virginia Campus.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Noel enjoys spending time with his wife, Farra, and their children, Jackson, McKenna and Miles. He is an enthusiastic tennis and pickleball player, known for his competitive spirit and sense of humor. A little-known fact? He and Farra tied the knot in Las Vegas at the Chapel of Love.

Celebrating Excellence in Medicine

Dr. Noel’s remarkable career embodies the values and principles the Thomas L. Hicks, M.D. Outstanding Physician Award seeks to honor: Leadership, innovation, mentorship and community service. As TMH and the greater medical community celebrate his achievements, his impact will continue to inspire patients, colleagues and future generations of physicians.

Congratulations, Dr. Noel, on this well-earned recognition!