William J Hicks II, MD

William “B.J.” Hicks II, MD, is a vascular neurologist who specializes in conditions of the cerebrovascular system — like ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. His main areas of interest include rapid access to acute stroke rescue therapies and clinical trials. For over a decade, Dr. Hicks served as the co-director of OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital’s Comprehensive Stroke Center and was a key leader for OhioHealth Stroke Network, bringing stroke expertise to the bedside of roughly 30 hospitals and emergency rooms throughout Ohio. His groundbreaking work as the OhioHealth physician lead for Columbus’ Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit helped bring lifesaving stroke treatment to the city. Accomplishments like this led to his election as President of the Medical Staff.

After a nationwide search in 2023 for an experienced, collaborative and transparent leader, OhioHealth formally asked Dr. Hicks to assume the rule of Vice President of Neurosciences. He is now guiding the future at one of the most recognized and patient-centric neuroscience programs in the country.

Born in Columbus, Dr. Hicks completed his undergraduate degree at Morehouse College and received his Doctor of Medicine degree from Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C. He completed his neurology residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, where he served as Chief Resident and was recognized as Resident of the Year. Following his residency, Dr. Hicks completed a two-year, NIH-funded vascular neurology fellowship at the University of Texas Medical Center at Houston.

In addition to his clinical role at OhioHealth, Dr. Hicks is an active member of the central Ohio medical community. He was recently named President of the Columbus American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA), marking the first time a neurologist had served in that role. He is now the President of the Board of Directors for the 13-state Midwest Region Affiliate of the AHA/ASA, one of their five regional boards in the U.S.

Dr. Hicks is passionate about clinical research and volunteering for equitable health-related public service. As a result of his work, he has been ranked a “40 Under 40” by Columbus Business First, along with the inaugural class of Columbus CEO’s “Future 50.” He recently served as a board member for OhioHealth and remains a member of the Board of Governors on behalf of The Columbus Foundation.

Outside of work, Dr. Hicks enjoys spending time with his wife, two young children, extended family in the area and his faithful German shepherd.