See Dr. Hahn-Cover’s Retirement Photo Gallery
For the past 25 years, Kristin Hahn-Cover, MD, has made a lasting impact at both the University of Missouri School of Medicine and MU Health Care. This month, she’s hanging up her white coat for the last time as she retires as chair of the Department of Medicine.
Hahn-Cover and her family arrived in Columbia, Missouri, in 2000 after she completed her medical training and residency in internal medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
After living in a large metropolis in Dallas, Texas, she looked forward to planting new roots in a smaller town and working in an academic medical center at Mizzou. Upon arrival, Hahn-Cover joined MU Health Care’s Fairview General Internal Medicine Clinic as a primary care physician.
She continued to advance at MU Health Care during her tenure, earning the role of medical director for its Office of Clinical Effectiveness in 2009 and was later appointed Chief Quality Officer in 2013.
While serving in an array of leadership roles over her two-plus decades at Mizzou, Hahn-Cover is proud of the growth and progress of the university’s health system.
“When I first arrived in 2000, Mizzou and MU Health Care were the underdogs in town for people who had a choice when seeking healthcare,” said Hahn-Cover. “I’m very pleased to have been part of an organization that has improved our standing, provided remarkable care, and delivered fantastic services for our collection of learners that benefits our patients”
In 2019, former dean of the Mizzou School of Medicine Steven Zweig, MD, MSPH, approached Hahn-Cover to discuss serving as chair in the Department of Medicine leadership. Hahn-Cover recalls heading home and having a memorable discussion with her husband.
“It made me think of my time as a student and resident at the University of Texas Southwestern and learning from former Department of Internal Medicine chair Daniel Foster, MD,” said Hahn-Cover. “The impact he had on me was extraordinary and I knew I could make a difference for learners at the Mizzou School of Medicine with this opportunity.”
Under Hahn-Cover’s six years of leadership, the Department of Medicine’s clinical growth increased by nearly 75% and the number of Mizzou’s medical school graduates matching into internal medicine nearly doubled.
Hahn-Cover’s success at the helm of a department was no accident, as her leadership skills were recognized in 2021 after being named a fellow in the Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) Program. ELAM is part of the Institute for Women’s Health and Leadership at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, which promotes the advancement of women in medicine.
“Mizzou has had an impressive history of ELAM and ELH fellows and it’s a big commitment by all, starting from the dean and School of Medicine leadership,” said Hahn-Cover. “Being the first female chair of the Department of Medicine, it was an honor and important to be a part of the ELAM program. I was proud to show my values and commitment to excellence with my peers. It prepared me to be a more confident and effective leader at Mizzou.”
Hahn-Cover’s tenure at Mizzou and the School of Medicine concludes on November 14. While she reflects on the accomplishments and memories she has accumulated over 25 years, she believes the future of the Department of Medicine is in great hands.
“As chair, my goal was to leave here in a better way than when I started,” said Hahn-Cover. “Mitchell Goldman, MD, is going to do a fantastic job as the new leader. Our department has fantastic colleagues that contribute towards our mission of saving and improving lives through exemplary education, research and patient care. I urge everyone to keep learning, finding ways to do things better and complete your duties with joy.”
Hahn-Cover and her husband are set to move to Colorado following her retirement from Mizzou. The Hahn-Cover family have frequented the state for years.
Post retirement from Mizzou, Hahn-Cover and her husband plan to settle in Colorado and they can’t wait to see what the future has in store.
“Growing up, our family frequently went on trips to Colorado and my husband and I have done the same with our own family,” said Hahn-Cover. “That area means a lot to us and we decided to live there. We hope to be outside more, be more active and live a healthier lifestyle. I already have a library card at our new residence and I also want to learn to play cello. This is my first-ever retirement, so I’m excited for this new life progression.”