Keith Gregory Hickey, MD, a Cardiologist with Cardiovascular Medicine of Slidell
Get to know Cardiologist Dr. Keith Gregory Hickey, who serves patients throughout the Northshore of Louisiana.
A reputable cardiologist, Dr. Hickey opened his clinic, Cardiovascular Medicine of Slidell, in February 2023, after 16 years at Louisiana Heart Center. His goal remains the treatment of the whole patient, with a focus on cardiovascular prevention.
When I completed my Fellowship training in Cardiovascular Medicine in 2006, I 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. I still enjoyed doing procedures, but I began stressing diet, exercise, medication and patient education. Over time, things started falling into place. I communicated better and I got to know my patients personally. I let them talk while I listened. We both invested ourselves in their care. By doing this, we were able to define treatment plans tailored to the individual patient. Something amazing began to occur. A significant number of my patients started doing better. They wanted to live healthier lives and they looked forward to discussing labs and noninvasive testing. Many were proud of the positive changes that they had accomplished. I explained the diseases and treatment plans, for their understanding and inclusion. With that understanding, came investment and trust. A bond was formed. I stopped the volume clinic and started the patient oriented clinic. I really enjoyed my work again. My referral base grew as the patients began giving positive feedback to their primary care doctors. In my estimation, 2 to 3 patients out of 10 would need revascularization. Why not treat all 10, instead of focusing on the few higher risk folks. I know that this has made me an all around better doctor. After all, it’s not about me or my ego, but the individual patient and their families. I’m the facilitator and guide, but it’s their life. Honest discussions and feedback worked by staying aggressive with our care. We still do the invasive/ interventional/surgical approach when warranted. I’ll never go back to my old way of doing things. My job satisfaction has improved significantly.
Educated in the United States, Dr. Hickey graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from Xavier University in 1986. He worked for 7 years in retail pharmacy and went back to school in 1990 for his Pharm D. He then went on to medical school, and earned his medical degree from the Louisiana State University School of Medicine in 1997.
He started his training in Urologic Surgery at Duke University Medical Center in 1997, and he switched careers to Internal Medicine in 1999. He completed his residency at Louisiana State University Health Science Center in 2002. He went on to fellowship training in cardiovascular disease at Ochsner Clinic Foundation Hospital, finishing in 2006.
Licensed to practice medicine in Louisiana, Dr. Hickey is affiliated with the following hospitals and medical centers: North Oaks Medical Center, Lakeview Regional Medical Center, St. Tammany Parish Hospital, Slidell Memorial Hospital, and St. Bernard Parish Hospital.
Prior to his current endeavors, he served as a staff cardiologist at Heart & Vascular Clinic (7/06 – 4/07), pharmacy manager at Gambina’s Pharmacy (1/03 – 6/03), clinical data services senior associate with Quintiles Corporation – Research Triangle Park (10/00 – 12/00), and as the chief pharmacist at Walgreens Company (1/87 – 8/93).
With an unwavering commitment to his speciality, Dr. Hickey is board-certified in both internal medicine and cardiovascular disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). He also holds board certifications in Echocardiography and Nuclear Medicine.
In summary, Cardiology is a branch of medicine that deals with the disorders of the heart, as well as some parts of the circulatory system. The field includes medical diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, heart failure, valvular heart disease, and electrophysiology. Cardiologists are doctors who diagnose, assess, and treat patients with diseases and defects of the heart and blood vessels (the cardiovascular system).
Throughout his extensive career, Dr. Hickey has served as vice-president of community affairs, class of 1997 (8/93–5/94); director, Camp Tiger 1994 / fundraiser, Camp Tiger 1995, 1996; volunteer, LSUMC Homeless Clinic (8/95-5/97); volunteer, LSUMC Family Day (5/95); volunteer, American Diabetes Association, Lions Club Camp (7/95); volunteer, Freshman Orientation (8/94); class note taker 1994, 1995; tutor, LSUMC Department of Anatomy, Fall of 1994; and member of the Louisiana Pharmacists Association (1986-1993).
Since 1990, he has served as Big Brother of the Boys Hope Home for Disadvantaged Youths, and as a member of the Kiwanis Club.
Learn More about Dr. Keith Gregory Hickey:
Through his findatopdoc profile, https://www.findatopdoc.com/doctor/1250802-Keith-Hickey-Cardiologist or through Cardiovascular Medicine of Slidell, LLC
Office address is 2965 Gause Blvd
Slidell, LA 70461
Phone number is 985-707-5128
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