The statistics about cardio-vascular disease in this region are rather startling.
To cut right to the chase, the Pee Dee area, which includes Clarendon County, is Heart Attack Alley.
According to Dr. John Hicks, this region of the state has the highest incidence of heart disease in the state, and perhaps, the nation.
Hicks has come to Clarendon County from his practice in Columbia, to provide cardio-vascular services to residents right here at home.
A native of Charlotte, Hicks received his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1987. He went on to serve his residency in internal medicine at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, and subsequently had a fellowship in cardiovascular medicine.
He is the founding and managing partner of Palmetto Cardiology Associates in Columbia.
He is trained in cardiac catheterization, interventional cardiology, echocardiography, placement of pacemakers, nuclear cardiology and electrocardiography.
Cardiovascular disease is a complex combination of other conditions and failure to treat them properly can result in a heart attack or stroke. These conditions include hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, poor diet, smoking and a sedentary lifestyle.
“I could be a research doctor, but I really just want to take care of people,” Hicks said. “Why did I come here? Because I was asked.”
Hicks said he was drawn to the medical community at Clarendon Memorial.
“It was all about this community. No one wants to associate themselves with mediocrity. Having highly competent people who were engaging, compassionate and intelligent was what drew me here,” Hicks said. “Every single person I have met, from administrators to nursing staff, and all others, have just been outstanding.”
When asked why he does what he does, he drew this reporter away from his desk and into one of the patient rooms.
“This is why I do what I do,” he said, pointing to a large collage of photos of his children, of which he has three.
His devotion to his family is as evident as his passion for his patients. A real hands-on father, he enjoys spending time in the outdoors with his kids.
“I am tired of spending three days a week placing stents in a cath lab and working 90 hours a week,” he said. “Coming here offers me a chance to have a more ‘normal’ life.
“Meeting the need here and having the skill set that is needed, is like the right key meeting its lock. I am excited to be here.”
Dr. Hicks, along with his three partners, will see cardiac patients on Tuesdays and Thursdays at their office on 21 Hospital St. They can be reached at 435-5275 for appointments.
