Medicine Man

Dr. Van Hicks recently celebrated his 40th anniversary on the medical staff at Morris Hospital.

He has the most years of service among the 191 physicians currently serving on the Morris Hospital medical staff.

Dr. Hicks started a primary care practice in Morris in 1969. Like other physicians in rural communities at the time, Dr. Hicks delivered babies, assisted with surgeries and took care of patients who required emergency care.

“We didn’t have specialists,” says Dr. Hicks. “There were no emergency room doctors. We’d get a call in the middle of the night if there was an emergency, and no matter what time it was, we’d get out of bed and come over to the hospital.”

Dr. Hicks eventually shifted his focus from primary care to aviation medicine. In this unique specialty, he provides physicals for pilots to assure they meet government requirements.

A graduate of Kansas University Medical School, Dr. Hicks said his dentist father inspired him to pursue a career in medicine. After completing an internship at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Mo., Dr. Hicks worked at a four-bed hospital at an army ammunition plant in Joliet from 1965-69 during the Vietnam War.

Looking back over the years, Dr. Hicks says he has many good memories.

“Morris Hospital is really a fabulous facility,” he says. “And Morris is a great town.”

Serving patients in more than 18 communities, Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers includes the 86-bed Morris Hospital, as well as physician offices in Braidwood, Channahon, Dwight, Gardner, Marseilles and Newark.

Through the services of more than 1,500 healthcare professionals, physicians and volunteers, Morris Hospital provides a Level II trauma center, interventional cardiovascular services, radiation therapy for cancer, a Level II obstetrical unit with special care nursery, a 20-bed critical care unit, and a dedicated pediatric unit.

Founded in 1906, Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers is the largest employer in Grundy County.