Frist, a board certified heart and lung transplant surgeon and a Republican, represented Tennessee in the Senate from 1995 to 2007, where he served on several committees responsible for writing health legislation, namely the Senate Finance and Health, Education Labor and Pensions.
He has been a vocal advocate of early prevention programs, health information technology and health savings accounts, although his career has not been without controversy. Frist was once under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission for alleged insider trading in connection with a sale of HCA shares, and was also widely criticized for stepping into the debate over the medical condition of Terri Schiavo, a Florida woman who was pulled from life support in 2005 after a long legal battle.
He is currently the vice chairman of first lady Michelle Obama's task force on childhood obesity, the Partnership for a Healthier America, and a partner at Cressey & Co., a private investment firm based in Nashville and Chicago that focuses on healthcare.
“Healthcare is one of the most important issues in our country today, and we are fortunate to add Dr. Frist's extensive medical and healthcare experience and insights to our board,” said Robert Ortenzio, the company's CEO, in a news release.
