Dr. Thomas Frist, along with his father and friend Jack C. Massey, is the Founder and Chairman of the Hospital Corporation of America. In 1977, he became President of HCA and, in 1987, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. He served as Chairman of the Board in 1994, after the merger with Columbia, and after the merger with HealthTrust Inc. in April 1995, as Vice Chairman. Dr. Frist returned as Chairman and CEO in 1997.

Dr. Frist is a recipient of the Distinguished Graduates of Vanderbilt University Award and in 2012, Dr. Frist was the recipient of the United Way Lifetime Achievement Award.