John Hoidal, MD, is a professor and chair of the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Utah and a member of the Cancer Control and Population Sciences Program. He holds the Clarence M. and Ruth N. Birrer Presidential Endowed Chair.

His research focuses on the genetic and molecular bases for nicotine addiction and the consequences of cigarette smoking. By gaining insights into biochemical pathways of addiction and ways to modify them, Hoidal hopes to find better ways to prevent and treat nicotine addiction and reduce the risk of smoking-related diseases such as lung cancer.

Hoidal received a bachelor’s degree from Jamestown College, North Dakota, and a medical degree from the University of Minnesota.