Thomas Frist Jr & family

$36.68 B

Ranked #55 in World

About Thomas Frist Jr & family

Healthcare magnate Thomas Frist Jr., Nashville-born on August 12, 1938, is the co-founder of HCA Healthcare—the leading for-profit hospital network in the United States. A Vanderbilt University alumnus with a medical degree from Washington University, he also served as U.S. Air Force flight surgeon. His leadership tenure at HCA saw historic buyouts and an expansive merger with Columbia. Now, Frist's massive influence extends beyond healthcare, with contributions to United Way and the Frist Foundation, exemplifying his lasting impact on the finance and healthcare industries in the U.S.

Born

August 12, 1938

Age

87 years

Source Of Wealth

Hospitals

Industries

Healthcare

Citizenship

United States

Residence

Nashville, Tennessee

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, Vanderbilt University; Medical Doctor, Washington University

Thomas Frist Jr. was born on August 12, 1938, in Nashville, Tennessee. He is the son of prominent internal medicine specialist Thomas F. Frist Sr. and Dorothy Cate Frist. Frist Jr. attended Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville and later Vanderbilt University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1960.

Thomas Frist Jr & family: Family

Thomas Frist Jr. married Patricia C. Frist in 1961, and they remained married until her passing in 2021. Together, they had three children: Thomas Frist III, William Frist, and Catherine Frist. Frist Jr. currently resides in an $18-million house in Belle Meade, Tennessee.

Thomas Frist Jr & family: Career Highlights

After graduating from medical school, Frist Jr. served as a flight surgeon in the United States Air Force. He then co-founded Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) with his father and Jack C. Massey in 1968. Frist Jr. became president of HCA in 1977 and chairman, president, and CEO in 1987. Under his leadership, HCA grew into the largest for-profit hospital chain in the United States.

Frist Jr. led HCA through several mergers and acquisitions, including the merger with Columbia in 1994 and HealthTrust Inc. in 1995. He also oversaw the company's transition to a private company in 2006 through a $21 billion leveraged buyout by Bain Capital, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, and Merrill Lynch. This transaction holds the record for the biggest leveraged buyout of all time and the biggest private equity-led IPO of all time.

Thomas Frist Jr & family: Companies

Thomas Frist Jr. has been involved with several companies throughout his career. He is the co-founder of HCA Healthcare, the largest for-profit hospital chain in the United States. He also co-founded the China Healthcare Corporation with Charles A. Elcan in 2008 and serves as president of Tomco II LLC, an aircraft company.

Thomas Frist Jr & family: Major Achievements

Frist Jr.

is widely recognized for his contributions to the healthcare industry. He is credited with transforming HCA into a leading healthcare provider and for his innovative leadership in the field. He has also been involved in numerous philanthropic endeavors, including the establishment of the Dr. Thomas F. Frist Jr. Excellence in Volunteer Leadership Award of the United Way and the Frist Foundation, which supports various cultural and educational initiatives.

Thomas Frist Jr & family: Awards & Achievements

Frist Jr. has received numerous awards and honors for his achievements. These include the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement (1984), Vanderbilt's Distinguished Alumni Award (2002), induction into the Healthcare Hall of Fame (2003), and the United Way Lifetime Achievement Award (2012).

Thomas Frist Jr & family: Personal Life & Legacy

Frist Jr. is known for his dedication to philanthropy and civic engagement. He has served on the boards of several organizations, including the Vanderbilt University board of trust, the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, and the United Way of America. He is also the chairman of the Frist Foundation and the Frist Center for the Visual Arts.

Thomas Frist Jr & family: Trivia

Frist Jr. holds the distinction of being the wealthiest person in Tennessee and is ranked #35 on the Forbes 400 list, with an estimated wealth of $20 billion.

Wealth History

Timeline

August 12, 1938

Thomas Frist Jr. is born in Nashville, Tennessee.

1968

Co-founds Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) with his father and Jack C. Massey.

1977

Becomes president of HCA.

1984

Serves on the Board of Directors of IBM.

1987

Becomes chairman, president, and CEO of HCA.

1994

Leads HCA through a merger with Columbia.

1995

Leads HCA through a merger with HealthTrust Inc.

1995

Serves as vice president of the Vanderbilt University board of trust.

1996

Establishes the Dr. Thomas F. Frist Jr. Excellence in Volunteer Leadership Award of the United Way.

1999

Chairs the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce.

2001

Steps down as chairman and CEO of HCA.

2002

Returns as chairman and CEO of HCA.

2003

Inducted into the Healthcare Hall of Fame.

2006

Accepts $21 billion in private equity investments from Bain Capital, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, and Merrill Lynch, taking HCA private.

2008

Co-founds the China Healthcare Corporation with Charles A. Elcan.

2009

Steps down from the board of directors of HCA.

2012

Receives the United Way Lifetime Achievement Award.

2021

Patricia C. Frist, Thomas Frist Jr.'s wife, passes away.

Thomas Frist Jr & family : FAQs

What is Thomas Frist Jr's current net worth?

Thomas Frist Jr's current net worth is $36.68 billion.

What is Thomas Frist Jr's current global rank among billionaires?

Thomas Frist Jr holds the 55th position globally among billionaires.

What is Thomas Frist Jr's current ranking within the United States?

Thomas Frist Jr holds the 25th position in United States.

What was the change in Thomas Frist Jr's net worth compared to the previous year?

Thomas Frist Jr's net worth decreased by 236.38 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 36.91 billion dollars.

What is the recent change in Thomas Frist Jr's net worth?

Thomas Frist Jr's net worth decreased by 633.57 million dollars recently, a 1.73% decrease, with his net worth standing at 36.68 billion dollars.

What are Thomas Frist Jr's main sources of wealth?

Thomas Frist Jr's main source of income comes from Hospitals.

In which industry does Thomas Frist Jr primarily operate?

Thomas Frist Jr is primarily involved in the Healthcare industry.

What is Thomas Frist Jr educational background?

Thomas Frist Jr holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from Vanderbilt University and a Medical Doctor from Washington University.

How old is Thomas Frist Jr?

Thomas Frist Jr is 87 years old.

How many children does Thomas Frist Jr have?

Thomas Frist Jr has 3 children.

Who is Thomas Frist Jr., and what is he known for?

Thomas Frist Jr., born on August 12, 1938, in Nashville, Tennessee, is co-founder of HCA Healthcare, the largest for-profit hospital chain in the United States, and holds records for the biggest leveraged buyout and private equity-led IPO of all time.

What role did Thomas Frist Jr. play in the healthcare industry?

Thomas Frist Jr. co-founded HCA Healthcare with his father and Jack C. Massey, served as its president, chairman, and CEO, and led the company through major mergers and acquisitions, drastically shaping the healthcare industry.

What are some of Thomas Frist Jr.'s major accomplishments outside of HCA Healthcare?

Outside of HCA, Thomas Frist Jr. co-founded the China Healthcare Corporation, served on IBM's Board of Directors, chaired the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, and has been active in numerous philanthropic endeavors including the Frist Center for the Visual Arts and United Way initiatives.

What awards has Thomas Frist Jr. received for his contributions?

Thomas Frist Jr. has been honored with several awards including the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement, Vanderbilt's Distinguished Alumni Award, induction into the Healthcare Hall of Fame, and the United Way Lifetime Achievement Award.

What is Thomas Frist Jr.'s connection to philanthropy and community service?

Thomas Frist Jr. is deeply connected to philanthropy, having co-founded the United Way Alexis de Tocqueville Society, served as chair of the board of governors for United Way of America, and established the Dr. Thomas F. Frist Jr. Excellence in Volunteer Leadership Award.