Thursday, May 10, 2012

Doctor offers cheap care at Nuci’s Space

By on December 5, 2007

Dr. Kip Hicks (right), an emergency physician at St. Mary
SARA GUEVARA
Dr. Kip Hicks (right), an emergency physician at St. Mary's, talks with Ian Reniker, a chef from Atlanta, during a session at Nuci's Space.

Athens is known for its music scene, but without their health, musicians can’t book a gig.

There is a doctor who is helping uninsured musicians keep on cranking out great music.

For a small donation of $10, musicians without insurance can receive medical treatment for minor ailments at Nu�i’s Space through Dr. Kip Hick, a local ER physician.

“If we can help a musician with a minor problem that they would normally go to the hospital for, then why not help those in need,” said Linda Phillips, president of Nuci’s Space.

Nuci’s, a non-profit organization, began offering the service to local musicians after the staff realized many were uninsured.

“After getting in touch with Linda and hearing about it, the rest was history,” Hicks said. “It was something that was already established so it was not difficult to step in and help lend my services.”

Hick was first introduced to Nuci’s through a friend, Sara O’Brien, who is a local musician.

Hicks welcomes walk-in visits at the open clinic twice a month, however musicians are advised to make an appointment prior to arrival.

“I usually block off an afternoon where I am free and then see the patients. A lot of times the ailments are something where I simply write a prescription,” Hicks said.

For Hicks, working is a labor of love as a fan of the Athens music scene.

“Nuci’s Space is unique in and of itself and I have been around for so long that I feel like I am part of the Nuci’s Space family,” Hick said.

Dr. Hick will be available on Dec. 11 and 18 at 1 p.m.

For more information on the hours and services visit www.nuci.org.