Dr Daniel Noonan
MD, FHRS, FACC

Q&A

What brought you to this career?
I was drawn to medicine at a young age after losing some close family and friends. In high school, I started by volunteering at a hospital and eventually becoming a nurses aid and cardiac cath lab assistant. I learned to read ECGs at 18 years old and was a research assistant during college. My interest in cardiology never waned and I decided to pursue this specialty. I sub-specialized in electrophysiology because I enjoyed doing procedures. This allows me to spend half of my time in clinic seeing patients and the other half operating. 

My personal interest in being active and playing sports helped guide me to Sports & Exercise cardiology. I've been able to build, learn and grow along with the athletic & cardiovascular communities and help contribute to that niche in Idaho.

Longevity, prevention, and wellness is also an interest of mine. Cardiovascular causes of death still lead the world as the number one cause of mortality and I believe that the vast majority of that is preventable. Each person needs to be the biggest advocate in their own health and I enjoy teaching patients about simple things they can do to help them live a long and healthy life.  

What is your approach to medicine and working with your patients?
I'm here to help patients understand their journey, risks, goals, and what’s important in their life. To do this I have to be adaptive because everyone is different. Sometimes folks want to be told what to do, sometimes they want to tell me what they want to do, and everything in between. I want to listen and be supportive in any way that I can reasonably be. I believe in patient-centered and compassionate care: active listening, involving patients in the decision-making process, and doing my best to provide personalized care that is tailor-made to their unique circumstances.  

Evidence-based medicine is a must when taking a patient-centered approach;  it is important to blend the best parts of what we've learned in cardiology with the newest techniques and sciences. 

I think that collaborative care plays an important role in health.  The human body isn't compartmentalized into systems—cardiovascular system, GI system, neurological system, etc.  Our systems are all unique in how they interact and as a medical community we need to acknowledge that and incorporate a collaborative approach as much as possible.  

Prevention and preventive health care are two things I help my patients to practice.  The more we can do on an individual level to prevent illness by emphasizing screening tests and lifestyle modifications, the more that moves the needle on a community and national level...and has the dual benefit of helping feed a patient’s autonomy and really helping take the reigns of their own health.   

Where are you originally from and how long have you lived in Boise?
I’m from Saint Louis, Missouri...and a die-hard Saint Louis Cardinals fan. I’ve lived in Boise for 11 years.

What do you love about living and working here?
There is so much to love about Idaho, the Treasure Valley, and Boise! We love the stunning natural beauty and the unique blend of urban amenities and outdoor adventure.

One of the things that sets it apart is the strong sense of community that exists here. People are friendly, welcoming, and willing to lend a helping hand when needed. It’s an environment that fosters collaboration and growth. 

Tell us about your family!
My family is the most important part of my life.  They are my foundation and fortunately they have no shortage of patience—the life of a cardiologist often demands many hours away from home.  

Lauren and I have been together for 15 years and married for 11.  We met while I was putting a Swan-Ganz catheter in someone's heart in the Cardiac ICU at the University of Minnesota, where I was a medicine resident physician and she was a doctor of pharmacy (PharmD).  We have been blessed with the most wonderful daughter anyone could ask for. She is 10 years old, lights up any room she walks into, and I cherish her every day. We also have a huge 2 year old Sheepadoodle.   

What are your hobbies and interests? What might we find you doing on the weekends?
I spend a lot of my free-time weightlifting and riding the Peloton. I am a lifelong St Louis Cardinals baseball fan and have recently started watching more professional tennis. Our family enjoys camping, fly-fishing, and hiking in the local wilderness and we love to travel. You can also find me playing a game of chess, reading non-fiction, taking online courses, or learning French. 

Any community connections or activities you'd like to highlight?
I believe in giving back to the local community and have served on the Board of Directors at Make-A-Wish foundation of Idaho and the Board of Directors of Ballet Idaho. You can also find me giving lectures to local healthcare students.

I’ve served on medical missions to Cambodia and Vietnam to provide electrophysiology care. Those experiences were transformative in my career, allowing me to provide healthcare to patients who may never have received care otherwise.