SLU Associate Professor of Internal Medicine Named to St. Louis Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 List

by Joe Barker on 10/27/2023

10/27/2023

Farzana Hoque, M.D., associate professor of Internal Medicine in the Division of Hospital Medicine and Acting Internship Co-Director at Saint Louis University, has been named one of St. Louis Business Journal’s 40 Under 40.

Hoque joined SLU in 2018 as her first job after completing residency training. She was selected from a field of more than 350 nominations.

Farzana Hoque, M.D., associate professor of Internal Medicine in the Division of Hospital Medicine and Acting Internship Co-Director at Saint Louis University. Photo by Sarah Conroy.

“I am deeply honored to be named a "40 Under 40" leader by the St. Louis Business Journal, standing alongside proven leaders across all industries in St. Louis,” she said. “Humbled by the recognition of my unwavering commitment and passion for medicine by the people of St. Louis which inspires me to wake up every day with the utmost determination to deliver excellence for my patients, students, and communities.

“My goal is to inspire future physicians, especially women of color, and promote equity in medicine. This recognition reminds me of my roots and the individuals who shaped my values, emphasizing the importance of giving back to my community.”

The annual list, which will be published in the Nov. 3 issue of the Business Journal, recognizes 40 emerging St. Louis-area business leaders under the age of 40 who are highly engaged with the St. Louis community. Hoque and her cohort will be recognized at the 40 Under 40 celebration at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2, at the Marriott St. Louis Grand.

At SLU, Hoque stays busy by taking on a variety of roles. In addition to her position on the faculty, she is the inaugural Medical Director of Bordley Tower of SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital and a member of the Faculty Senate. She is also the President of the Society of Hospital Medicine St. Louis Chapter.

“I consider myself blessed to wear multiple hats as a physician, medical educator, and physician leader at SLU,” Hoque said. “In addition to providing a wide range of complex acute patient care, I have the privilege of teaching and mentoring the next generation of physicians and advanced practice providers. My greatest satisfaction comes from the connections I make with patients and their families while educating them about their health and care.”

Hoque said her desire to assume many roles can be traced to her parents. She credited them for motivating her to leave her mark on things.

“I attribute my positive energy and enthusiasm to my parents, who have been a significant source of inspiration in my life,” she said. “My genuine motivation stems from my deep conviction that the title "Dr." is not merely a prefix, but a symbol of my lifelong dedication to making a meaningful impact through the practice of medicine.”

Hoque was born in Bangladesh and received her Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) there at Dhaka University, Bangladesh. She moved to the United States to do her residency at St. Luke's.

“St. Louis has been my cherished home since I first arrived for internal medicine residency training in 2015,” she said. “I was excited to stay in St. Louis for my medical practice, primarily because the Midwest's strong work ethic, integrity, and sense of community closely resonate with my core values.”

After her stint at St. Luke’s, Hoque joined the SLU team.

“During my residency, I had the opportunity to do a rotation at SLU, and those weeks were truly enjoyable,” she said. “I discovered that our hospital is a hub of medical and surgical expertise, educational excellence, and research potential. I found no compelling reason to leave, and as a result, I've been at SLU since 2018. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be part of a highly talented team that shares my commitment to prioritizing exceptional patient care.

Hoque said she’s grateful to work with the teams at SLU and SSM.

“I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the dedicated nurses, staff, co-workers, and leadership of SLU and SSM Health for their unwavering commitment to fostering a collegial and supportive work environment,” Hoque said. “Their trust and appreciation of me over the years is very close to my heart.”