Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Noble Anderson
By: Morgan Samples
Published Date: Oct 18
When did you graduate from UAB?
I completed my residency training in Otolarynology – Head and Neck Surgery in 1994.- Where are you now?
I began my medical practice and have continued to practice in Montgomery, my hometown. I grew up here in a medical family and always felt comfortable coming back home to practice medicine and service my community. - What are your clinical/research interests?
I practice general otolaryngology, placing a special interest in rhinology. I am involved in state and medical societies, like Alabama Society of Otolaryngology (Sec/Tres), Montgomery County Medical Society (Sec/Tres), Montgomery Surgical Center (Board) and am a proud member of the Millennium Society of our American Academy of Otolaryngology. - How did you choose to practice this area of otolaryngology?
I felt that practicing general otolaryngology in a smaller setting was ideal for me. After many years of practicing most aspects of our specialty, I tend to focus more on rhinology. - What aspect of your time at UAB do you believe was most valuable as you started your career?
During my training at UAB, we developed knowledge, confidence and skills in treating most patients with otolaryngological conditions. We also developed excellent connections with the staff of the program at UAB, whereby we could ask for assistance with a patient with a more complicated problem, or in a case that may need more intensive tertiary care at UAB. During my years of practice, I have been very impressed with the ability of the staff to help the community-based otolaryngologists. - Did you have a particular mentor while at UAB? Why were they a good mentor?
I had many outstanding mentors at UAB, but I have to admit that Dr. Julius “buddy” Hicks, the former Chair of our division, had the most influence on my career. I initially rotated on his service as a medical student and later interviewed with him prior to my acceptance into the program. He was a most caring and thoughtful physician and he had a unique ability to communicate with his patients. Some of his sayings I continue to use to this day. He treated his residents as family and took a keen interest in their own local family and community. I later had the honor and privilege to sponsor his nomination award to MASA for 50 years of outstanding service in our state. - Give one piece of advice you'd like to share with the current residents or those recently graduated.
Consider practicing community Otolaryngology in a smaller setting. There is no greater reward and privilege than to be able to help those in greatest need, and in so doing, getting to know their family and friends, who also may become your own patients. We as physicians have a unique ability to connect and interact with our patients, which in itself is personally gratifying. Consider being involved in state and local medical societies and engage with teaching residents and medical students. The latter is a fantastic way to connect with your future peers and be able to give back to your local community with education at the same time. And continue to push yourself with knowledge and information and keep learning! This will naturally benefit our patients! - When you're not working, how do you spend your time?
I enjoy traveling and snow skiing with my friends and family and most enjoy attending Alabama football games with my son, who is now a Sophomore at the University.
Dr. Anderson with his mentor Dr. Hicks and his wife Ann Hicks