Dr. Ronald Hicks, MD

Dr. Ronald Hicks, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Venice, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), and is committed to partnering with you in your lifelong health journey. Your family medicine doctor is your primary partner in lifelong health, crafting personalized preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing your overall wellness journey from childhood to senior years. He serves all ages, from newborns to seniors, and welcomes the opportunity to be a trusted guide on your health path. Please call (941) 483-9730 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Ronald Hicks, MD is a family medicine physician in Venice, FL and has over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from MICHIGAN STATE University in 1980 and earned his medical degree from the same institution. With over 40 years of dedicated experience in Family Medicine care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Hicks is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He strives to provide the best possible care, fostering trust and open communication. Dr. Ronald Hicks provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Ronald Hicks is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Ronald Hicks can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Ronald Hicks provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Heart Disease: Regular screenings and early detection of heart disease are crucial for preventing serious complications and improving your quality of life.
• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Early detection of coronary artery disease (CAD) through regular checkups and screenings can significantly reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke, saving your life and improving your quality of life.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Proper hydration and regular bathroom breaks are simple preventive measures that significantly reduce your chances of developing a UTI.
• Blood in Urine (Hematuria): Don't ignore blood in your urine – early detection through preventative care can help identify and treat the root cause, preventing potential long-term health problems.
• Hypothyroidism: Managing hypothyroidism effectively through medication and lifestyle changes is key to preventing joint pain, fatigue, and other debilitating symptoms.
• Hypertension: Don't let hypertension sneak up on you – proactive monitoring and lifestyle adjustments can significantly reduce your risk of developing this serious condition and its associated complications.
• Diabetes Type 2: Regular check-ups and blood sugar monitoring are key to preventing and managing type 2 diabetes and its potential impact on your overall health.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): Managing COPD effectively, through adherence to prescribed medications and lifestyle changes, can help slow disease progression and prevent severe exacerbations, improving long-term health.
• Polyneuropathy: Protecting your nerves from damage is vital, as polyneuropathy, a condition affecting many nerves at once, can be prevented or slowed with proactive healthcare and lifestyle choices.
• Lipid Disorders: Early detection of lipid problems allows for timely intervention, reducing your chances of developing heart disease or experiencing a cardiovascular event.
• Hyperlipidemia: Hyperlipidemia, or high cholesterol, often shows no symptoms, highlighting the importance of regular blood tests to catch it early and prevent future heart complications.
• Cough: Managing a cough effectively, including identifying and addressing triggers, helps avoid complications like pneumonia or bronchitis.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Ronald Hicks offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Cholesterol Screening: Protecting your future self starts with a simple cholesterol screening, which helps detect high cholesterol, a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.
• Diabetes Screening: Protecting your long-term health starts with a diabetes screening, a proactive step to catch potential issues and manage your blood sugar effectively.
• Liver Function Test: Protecting your liver's well-being starts with a liver function test. This proactive measure helps detect abnormalities and allows for prompt management of any liver issues.
• Prostate Cancer Screening: Don't wait for symptoms; prostate cancer screening allows for early detection and intervention, leading to improved treatment success.
• Thyroid Screening: Take a proactive step toward better health with a thyroid screening; it checks your thyroid hormone levels to identify and manage potential issues before they become serious.
• Contact Lens Exams: Ensure the ongoing comfort and safety of your contact lenses with regular checkups, enabling early detection and treatment of potential eye conditions.
• Lower Extremity Peripheral Ultrasound: Take a proactive step toward better leg health with a lower extremity peripheral ultrasound, a simple test that can identify potential blood flow issues and help prevent future complications.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Family Medicine in Florida.

Dr. Ronald Hicks is dedicated to partnering with Family members and caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By consistently attending recommended screenings and following a personalized prevention plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of heart disease, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By proactively scheduling regular checkups and screenings, a patient significantly reduced their risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), gaining valuable peace of mind and ensuring a healthier future.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Family Medicine care with Dr. Ronald Hicks:

What is a Family Physician, and how are they different from other doctors?

Dr. Hicks and our team are family physicians, meaning we are primary care doctors who provide comprehensive, lifelong care for patients of all ages. We focus on treating the whole person, managing the health of the entire family, and coordinating all aspects of your care, emphasizing prevention.

What should I expect during an annual physical or wellness exam?

Your annual physical with Dr. Hicks is a key opportunity to partner with him on your health. It includes a review of your health history, a physical exam, and a discussion about personalized preventive screenings and lifestyle goals.

Why is it important to have a primary care physician, even if I'm healthy?

Establishing a relationship with Dr. Ronald Hicks when you're healthy is a valuable investment in your long-term well-being. Having a baseline established allows for faster, more personalized care when you need it, and ensures preventive care stays on track. This relationship also provides a trusted resource for your health history.

What blood tests are typically included in a routine check-up?

Routine blood tests are personalized. Common screening tests might include a complete blood count, cholesterol panel, and blood sugar to check for anemia, heart disease risk, and diabetes. Dr. Hicks will only order tests that are appropriate for your age and risk factors.

I'm traveling internationally. Can you help with travel vaccinations?

Dr. Hicks and our team can help you prepare for safe travel. We can review your itinerary, advise on necessary vaccinations like Typhoid or Hepatitis A, and provide prescriptions for preventive medications.

Do you provide care for children and infants?

Yes, Dr. Ronald Hicks is fully equipped to care for children and infants. We provide well-child check-ups, developmental screenings, and childhood immunizations, making it convenient to have one doctor for all your family's healthcare needs.

Can I come in for urgent issues like a cold, flu, or minor injury?

Yes, Dr. Hicks and our team are happy to see you for urgent issues like colds, the flu, or minor injuries. Seeing your primary care doctor for these acute illnesses is ideal because we know your health history, and we can diagnose and treat common ailments, helping you avoid unnecessary trips to urgent care or the ER.

When should I get screened for common cancers like colorectal or breast cancer?

Screening guidelines for cancers like colorectal and breast cancer depend on age and individual risk factors. Dr. Hicks will work with you to create a personalized screening schedule, ensuring you receive the appropriate tests at the right time for early detection.

1720 E Venice Ave Fl 2
Venice FL 34292
Phone: (941) 483-9730

Dr. Ronald Hicks, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1649283227

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Family Medicine like Dr. Ronald Hicks are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your family medicine about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.