John Hickner

John Hickner, MD – A Champion For Quality, Safety, and Value in Primary Care

John Hickner, MD, MSc was a renowned family physician and researcher known for his innovations in rural primary care. As an advocate for improved quality, safety, and value in primary care he earned the respect of those around him.

He served as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Family Practice for ten years and co-founded and directed the AAFP National Research Network. Additionally, he taught evidence-based medicine to physicians and medical students for more than 25 years.

Early Life and Education

As an educator, Hickner has a special insight into the significance of early childhood education. At this age, children are heavily reliant on their parents and other caregivers for nurturing their physical, emotional, and social growth.

These formative years are critical for children as they hone their cognitive and social skills, which are fundamental for learning. Furthermore, this period provides them with an opportunity to form positive relationships with peers.

As a result, early childhood education has become an increasingly prominent issue both within and outside of America, particularly as efforts are made to increase investment in ECE. Under President Obama’s administration, an Early Learning Challenge tenet was adopted and many states established new early childhood agencies.

Professional Career

John was an esteemed physician, academic, and researcher with a special interest in rural and underserved communities. He advocated for patient safety and quality healthcare, making a lasting impact on primary healthcare.

He held leadership roles in several organizations, such as the American Academy of Family Physicians, Michigan State University Department of Family Medicine and OSF Medical Group. Furthermore, he helped launch two practice-based research networks.

His professional life was dedicated to applying evidence-based knowledge in family medicine and practice-based research to enhance primary care. As Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Family Practice and producer of The Primary Care Update podcast, his work demonstrated his dedication to applying research to everyday practice.

Achievements and Honors

John was an esteemed leader in family medicine. As Cleveland Clinic Chair of Family Medicine and Head of Family Medicine at UIC, he mentored many faculty, residents, and students along the way.

He authored hundreds of research publications, served as Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Family Practice, and hosted episodes of his podcast Primary Care Update. A champion for rural and marginalized people seeking quality healthcare, he was also a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all.

On August 22, 2022, Michael passed away peacefully in his home in Escanaba from a glioblastoma brain tumor. Survived by his wife Val and five children: Michael, Laura, Zach, Anna and Olivia – he will be missed by many.

Personal Life

John Hickner, MD was a renowned family doctor who provided comprehensive healthcare to individuals and families of all ages. As part of an expansive network of more than one hundred fifty physicians, Dr. Hickner provided treatment solutions tailored specifically for each individual and family in need.

His professional career included serving as Chair of Family Medicine at the University of Illinois at Chicago and founding two practice-based research networks – Michigan Research Network and Upper Peninsula Research Network (UPRNet). Furthermore, he was an active participant in the American Board of Family Practice.

His dedication to family medicine was evident in his numerous research projects and publications. He took great pleasure in sharing his expertise with those he cared about, taking part in various activities such as sailing and making music, all while remaining a devoted husband and father.

Net Worth

On August 22, 2022, John Hickner succumbed to glioblastoma, a rare and terminal form of brain cancer. As an advocate for rural and marginalized folks who needed quality healthcare, he brought positive change to primary care through his work. Beloved husband to Val and father to Michael (Kathy), Laura, Zach, Anna and Olivia; as well as numerous siblings and grandchildren he is survived by.

On Friday, April 8th 2022 at 1:30pm in Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home East Lansing Chapel (1730 E. Grand River Ave, East Lansing MI 48823) friends may pay their respects by visiting from 11am until 1:30 pm prior to the service.

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