April 23, 2002
VCU Health Administration department presents outstanding alumnus award to HCA president
Share this story
RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia Commonwealth University’s Department of Health Administration today presented its Outstanding Alumnus Award to Richard M. Bracken, president and chief operating officer for HCA, the nation’s leading provider of health care services.
The Outstanding Alumnus Award recipient is recognized as a leader and significant contributor to the health administration field, his or her community, VCU’s Department of Health Administration and its alumni, and professional organizations. Selection criteria included professional accomplishments, departmental involvement and community involvement. The award was presented at the Paul A. Gross Distinguished Leadership Lecture Series on the university’s MCV campus.
"Richard Bracken has had a profoundly positive impact on health care delivery throughout his career," said VCU’s Stephen S. Mick, PhD, Arthur Graham Glasgow Professor and chair of health administration. "He is an innovator in hospital management and one of the nation’s leading health care executives. We are proud to call him an alumnus of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Department of Health Administration."
Based in Nashville, Tenn., HCA operates approximately 185 hospitals in the U.S., England, and Switzerland and has annual revenues of approximately $18 billion. Bracken is responsible for developing HCA’s operating strategy and overseeing the company’s hospitals. He began his career with HCA in 1981 and has held various executive positions with the company, including chief executive officer of Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, president of HCA’s Pacific Division and president of HCA’s Western Group. He was promoted to chief operating officer on July 30, 2001 and assumed the role of president and chief operating officer in January 2002.
Bracken, who received his master’s degree in health administration from VCU in 1977, resides in Nashville with his wife Judith and their four children.
About Health Administrations
Ranked eighth by US News and World Report in its annual survey of the best graduate schools, VCU’s Department of Health Administration, in the School of Allied Health Professions, is recognized as one of the top programs in the country. Established in 1949, the department offers three major programs: M.H.A. in health services administration, M.S.H.A. professional online program, and Ph.D. in health services organization and research. The department’s David G. Williamson, Jr. Institute for Health Studies provides a full range of instructions, scientific inquiry and innovative outreach programs that improve the management, financing and delivery of health services.
Subscribe to VCU News
Subscribe to VCU News at newsletter.vcu.edu and receive a selection of stories, videos, photos, news clips and event listings in your inbox.