Ask any random Heightster of a certain age what area institution he or she has devotedly relied on for expert medical attention over the last 87 years, and a not so surprising number would say, “Why, the Nix Hospital, of course.” Yep, for generations in the ZIP, whether the incentive was pregnancy, illness, injury or just needing a checkup, a trip downtown to the Alamo City’s beloved premier medical center was simply standard “operating” procedure. And in many current instances that’s still the case. But happily for locals desiring a little nearer-to-home Nix-driven TLC, things have certainly gotten a whole lot easier.
With the establishment of the ever-so-convenient Nix Alamo Heights (an outpatient facility), located front and center at 5037 Broadway, today’s ‘09ers seeking that same competent, compassionate and comprehensive medical care that the original hospital still boasts, don’t have far to go at all. And with time, traffic, parking and proximity to be considered, a Nix of our own really is pretty neat as well as practical. So, as deep as the neighborhood’s continued bond with the venerable and trusted downtown landmark remains, one might just say that now the relationship has (literally) grown even closer. Say “aah,” or perhaps more appropriately, “AH!”
Opened in 1998, the Nix Alamo Heights quickly became the neighborhood go-to place where friends, families and neighbors of all ages sought the valued advice and treatments for almost any ailment or physical condition. Staffed with a professional cadre of highly qualified doctors (see sidebar) and other technicians (many of whom live in the area) practicing a range of specialties, the center has become an almost one-stop resource where multiple issues can be addressed and resolved. And if further actions are required, referrals can be arranged. The assortment of offerings is impressive, including primary care, geriatrics, urology, OB-GYN, osteopathic medicine, orthopedics, neurology, sports medicine and podiatry.
From children to seniors and everyone in between, the Nix Alamo Heights is able to take care of those in need – ‘09ers or not. And what makes this total care approach doable is the way the nine primary (and permanent) physicians, aided by a very supportive staff consisting of 35 highly trained individuals, all work so closely together, each contributing to a patient’s well-being through shared communication and consultation. It truly is a wonderful concept that more departmentalized and segregated medical clinics may not so readily practice.
Regarding the facilities, the Nix Alamo Heights’ central center occupies a state-of-the-art 35,000-square-foot area featuring 36 patient treatment rooms, four operating suites, two procedure rooms, a complete clinical lab, a radiology department and even a fully equipped physical therapy department. Add to that the comfortable and welcoming waiting room with the bonus of plentiful close and free parking, and why would anyone go anywhere else?
And surprising to many, the Nix Alamo Heights doesn’t end there. A few blocks north is the respected Nix Sleep Center, where sleep disorders such as apnea and insomnia are expertly diagnosed and treated. And then there’s the equally exceptional Nix Neurology Center across the street from the main offices, where thanks to the miracle of modern imagery, neurological and nervous system disorders can be quickly and painlessly identified and treated. Altogether, these three interactive and invaluable resources truly do contribute to the complete Nix medical “package” that at one time did require a trip downtown. Now, thankfully, it’s all right here on Broadway. That really is one great way to make 78209’s valued relationship with the Nix even closer than before. Yep, do say “aah,” meaning “AH!”
By Ernie Altgelt
Photography by Martin Waddy
