Dr. Hickey pursued higher education at Xavier University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He then earned a pharmacy degree; a medical degree at Louisiana State University; completed a residency at Duke University; and a fellowship at Ochsner University. The doctor explained that when he completed his fellowship training in Cardiovascular Medicine in 2006, he wanted to be “purely invasive” and do as many procedures as possible. “I loved the hospital side of cardiology, but over the years I realized that this approach wasn’t benefiting my patients to the fullest. My ultimate goal was to prolong symptom-free survival and prevent hospitalization. So, I had a paradigm shift in the way I practiced cardiovascular medicine, emphasizing primary and secondary prevention,” he explained. 

While Dr. Hickey served at Louisiana Heart Center for 16 years, he fulfilled a milestone when he opened his own clinic, Cardiovascular Medicine of Slidell, in February 2023.  He asserts that he can continue his goal of “treatment of the whole patient,” and specialize in cardiovascular prevention.

Dr. Hickey is professionally affiliated with FACC and AHA and among the many journals that the doctor reads, his favorite is Circulation. When considering his career success, he notes that his mentors are Dr. Grace; Dr. Foss; and Dr. Sanders of whom he contributes much of his accomplishments as well as following his philosophy to “put patients’ needs before my own.”

Looking into the future, Dr. Hickey plans to continue the growth of his new practice and take great care of his patients. He would like to dedicate this honor to his dear wife, Sharon, and children, Michael and Matthew, and thank them for their love and support.

Aside from his professional pursuits, the doctor enjoys scuba diving; hunting; family time; and golf.