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Bill Frist

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  • Heart-Lung Transplant Surgeon, Physician, and Authority on Healthcare Policy
  • U.S. Senator (R-TN) (1995-2007) and U.S. Senate Majority Leader (2003-2007)
  • Chairman of the Global Board, The Nature Conservancy
  • Host, 'A Second Opinion' Podcast

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Uniquely qualified to discuss the challenges and solutions in health and climate policy, William H. Frist, MD is a heart and lung transplant surgeon and former two-term Republican U.S. Senator from Tennessee who served as U.S. Senate Majority Leader from 2003 to 2007. He ascended to that position, the highest-ranking elected official in his party, after spending fewer years in Congress than anyone in history.

Today, Senator Frist is the Global Board Chair of The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the world’s largest conservation organization.  As chairman, he is committed to preserving the health of our planet, recognizing that population health is empirically linked to healthy ecosystems. He also is Founding Partner at Nashville’s Frist Cressey Ventures, and he has founded two “unicorn” companies ($1B valuation) that serve the healthcare needs of hundreds of thousands of patients across the United States. He is a respected national leader in business and venture capital. Two of his companies have been in the top three companies for the past two years on the INC5000 list of fastest growing companies in America. He also hosts the healthcare podcast A Second Opinion: Rethinking American Health and eponymous newsletter which discuss the latest in human health as it is influenced by nature, medical innovation, the changing climate, and public policy, and considers commonsense solutions that work in neighborhoods and on a global scale. 

He is actively engaged in the business as well as the medical, humanitarian, and philanthropic communities.

 


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Past Hosts Include:
  • UBS AG
  • NIC Conference
  • TEDMed
  • Livingston Economic Club
  • RegionalCare
  • Healthcare Education Associates
  • CBRE
  • The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International
  • Annual Medical-Legal Summit on behalf of Tucker Ellis LLP
  • Healthcare Financial Management Association
Rave Reviews About Bill Frist
“
Senator Frist was the 'Wow' factor for our HealthForum event. He spoke so knowledgeably about the current healthcare landscape in the U.S. and was even handed in his critique of the plans being proposed by all presidential candidates. Our clients were amazed at his grasp of the issues and his ability to educate us all to the intricacies involved in improving our healthcare 'sector' and making it a true 'system'. He could not have been a better speaker for our group. Senator Frist was approachable to all, spoke for a solid hour, took questions for a full 30 minutes and then stayed to speak with individuals through dinner. The feedback from our clients, who represent the full political spectrum, was phenomenal.”

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More rave reviews

"The event was fantastic and Senator Frist was a HUGE hit! He is so personable and allowed attendees to ask him questions after the luncheon and chat with him. The video interview after the luncheon also went very well."

-NIC Conference

"He was wonderful! Everyone was thoroughly impressed with his knowledge, his delivery, and his overall charisma. He is just a nice gentleman. I loved meeting him."

-RegionalCare

"The event was great, and Senator Frist’s presentation was very well-received!"

-Healthcare Education Associates

"Senator Frist was great! Our group really enjoyed him. "

-CBRE

"Senator Frist was great. He was very well"

-The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International

"350+ doctors and lawyers present really loved Sen. Frist. I kept getting extremely positive feedback for the rest of the evening and the entire next day of the conference – everybody I talked to! Sen. Frist really brought them in and delivered marvelously. The Committee that put this big conference together could not have been happier with the keynote address. He seems like a truly warm fellow, in addition to a brilliant high achiever. It was everything we hoped and much more. "

-Annual Medical-Legal Summit on behalf of Tucker Ellis LLP

"Senator Bill Frist was great! Lots of energy and excitement. "

-Healthcare Financial Management Association

"Senator Frist was wonderful. We received so many comments about how nice it was that he ‘did his homework’ and spoke about topics that were relevant to our audience and our organization."

-Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation

"We thought he was wonderful! Very generous with his time and extremely easy to work with. He definitely could have had every vote in the room at the end of the night! Seriously, he was great and his speech topic was very interesting and timely. My director and our CEO were very pleased with everything. I appreciate all he did. Thanks so much! "

-Spartanburg Regional Healthcare Foundation

"Senator Frist was absolutely fantastic and his feedback scores were 5/5 from all of the surveys submitted—perfect score!"

-Livingston Economic Club

"Everything went very well! Both Senator Frist and Governor Dean were great to work with on-site. The audience was very engaged and we received several positive comments from our clients on the discussion."

-UBS AG

"Senator Frist was outstanding; we have had many incredibly positive comments on his talk. "

-Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration, The University of Alabama

"Senator Frist was a hit. Several attendees have told me he was one of our best speakers providing valuable insights into the health care legislative process. A couple board members complimented him on his thoughtful and moderate views and the physicians in the audience clearly respected his accomplishments as a physician, a businessman and a political leader. He has an excellent speaking style. "

-Ingalls Health System

"As President of the College of American Pathologists (CAP), I want to thank you for taking the time to address CAP’s House of Delegates and Residents Forum recently. You have been at the center of some very important health care debates – both as a physician and lawmaker – so your insights are particularly valuable as we chart a course for our profession in the midst of health care reform and changing market forces. As you clearly expressed, our members cannot ignore the challenges and opportunities that reform presents. We appreciated your perspective on how individual pathologists can make a difference and support the delivery of high quality, patient-centered care. You inspired us to continue to engage in the process and make our mark. Just what the doctor ordered!"

-College of American Pathologists

"Senator Frist spoke at our sold out event of around 400. We received excellent media coverage, print, radio as well as TV. We have received many positive comments about his program regarding both content and delivery. I would highly recommend him to any group wanting an update on health care reform."

-San Antonio Medical Foundation

"Dr. Frist was an absolute pleasure to work with. Our staff enjoyed working with him very much. He did a great job presenting and received a lot of great feedback on our evaluation forms. He also had taken a bunch of pictures with the attendees, which was extremely nice of him. "

-HealthLogix

"You cannot have a serious debate about our nation's health care system and not have former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN), MD in the room. He is a spectacular speaker who can take the complexities of Washington and describe them in a manner that any audience can understand. I recommend him highly."

-Astellas Pharma

"Our healthcare reform panel discussion was a huge success! Senator Frist participation was a highlight for our audience. His depth of knowledge, legislative experience, and political insights are unsurpassed and his remarks provided the unique insights our attendees needed to hear. "

-Biotechnology Industry Organization

"Senator Frist's talk went very well (it was standing room only). His presentation was well received including the political comments regarding the upcoming presidential election. It is not everyday that we get a world renowned physician and noted politician at our annual meeting. "

-American Society for Surgery of the Hand

"I am just emailing to let you know how great Senator Frist's speaking event was this past Thursday at Furman University. His lecture was dynamic, informative and students thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the healthcare industry from such an experienced source. I would highly recommend Senator Frist to any other student group interested in a healthcare forum. "

-Furman University
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Bill Frist: Why is Innovation in Healthcare different? | Distributed Health - Get Sharable Link
Talks & Conversations with Bill Frist
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Climate Change

Senator and Dr. BILL FRIST provides his perspective as Chairman of the Global Board of the Nature Conservancy, the nation’s largest conservation organization, on what personal, organizational, and policy-first steps we can take to protect our environment and our futures. ...

Senator and Dr. BILL FRIST provides his perspective as Chairman of the Global Board of the Nature Conservancy, the nation’s largest conservation organization, on what personal, organizational, and policy-first steps we can take to protect our environment and our futures.

Intersection of Nature and Health

The World Health Organization has described the climate crisis as the “single biggest health threat facing humanity.”  Empirical evidence increasingly demonstrates that spending time in nature has proven health benefits, while climate change and intensifying storm patterns have been linked to poorer ...

The World Health Organization has described the climate crisis as the “single biggest health threat facing humanity.”  Empirical evidence increasingly demonstrates that spending time in nature has proven health benefits, while climate change and intensifying storm patterns have been linked to poorer health and additional stressors on health systems. Drawing from Senator BILL FRIST’s experience in medical practice, in operating working farms, and chairing the board of a major global conservation organization, he links the importance of preserving our planet and building green cities and health systems to improving future health outcomes.

Leadership Lessons from a Senator-Doctor-Investor

Senator BILL FRIST provides unique insights – and lessons learned – from a fascinating career that includes practicing at the highest levels of medicine – founding the Vanderbilt Multi-Organ Transplant Center at a time when transplants were often considered experimental; leading the United States Se ...

Senator BILL FRIST provides unique insights – and lessons learned – from a fascinating career that includes practicing at the highest levels of medicine – founding the Vanderbilt Multi-Organ Transplant Center at a time when transplants were often considered experimental; leading the United States Senate as the youngest member ever elected to that position; and today building dynamic healthcare businesses that solve for our nation’s greatest health challenges through value-based approaches.

Building a Successful Health Services Company

Perspective from BILL FRIST, a Partner and Executive Committee Chairman at the successful private equity firm Cressey and Company — which has invested and managed over $2 billion of healthcare investments, founding partner of Frist Cressey Ventures, and co-founder of Aspire Health. How private equit ...

Perspective from BILL FRIST, a Partner and Executive Committee Chairman at the successful private equity firm Cressey and Company — which has invested and managed over $2 billion of healthcare investments, founding partner of Frist Cressey Ventures, and co-founder of Aspire Health. How private equity and venture capital contributes to building companies that offer solutions to problems that government can’t address, and can be profitable while pursuing a social mission.

Creating a Culture of Health

Health care is not the driver of health. Our behaviors, shaped by our physical and social environment, are the primary determinants of health and well-being.  Knowing this, can a community create a culture of health that drives better health outcomes without costly interventions? BILL FRIST draws fr ...

Health care is not the driver of health. Our behaviors, shaped by our physical and social environment, are the primary determinants of health and well-being.  Knowing this, can a community create a culture of health that drives better health outcomes without costly interventions? BILL FRIST draws from personal experience establishing the collective-impact organization “NashvilleHealth,” and building businesses that address drivers of health outcomes further upstream.

Global health, International Relief, and Strategic Health Diplomacy

Reflections from personal experiences of practicing medicine and delivering care in 7 countries in Africa, as well as personally providing on the ground medical assistance immediately after Katrina, the Indian Ocean Tsunami, and the Haiti earthquake. This is centered on Senator BILL FRIST’s own medi ...

Reflections from personal experiences of practicing medicine and delivering care in 7 countries in Africa, as well as personally providing on the ground medical assistance immediately after Katrina, the Indian Ocean Tsunami, and the Haiti earthquake. This is centered on Senator BILL FRIST’s own medical volunteerism and his commitment to using “medicine as a currency for peace,” as well as his leadership role in enacting PEPFAR, a federal investment of nearly $100 billion in the global HIV/AIDS response, the largest commitment by any nation to address a single disease in history, saving 21 million lives and counting.


 

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Speaker News

H.R. 1 and the Future of Healthcare: The world’s top policy and healthcare experts help organizations navigate transformational change 

The Harry Walker Agency represents a powerhouse roster of trusted public officials, economic thinkers, clinical leaders, and policy insiders who bring unmatched clarity to the complex realities of healthcare reform. As H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act dominates headlines and boardroom agendas, these experts deliver timely, nonpartisan insights that help audiences across industries understand what’s at stake—and how to respond. 

BILL FRIST, MD and FRANCIS S. COLLINS, MD, PHD bring clinical, scientific, and policy leadership to the discussion. SENATOR JOHN TESTER, DR. ROCHELLE WALENSKY, MD, MPH, and GOVERNOR CHRIS SUNUNU unpack how this sweeping legislation could reshape access, affordability, and innovation. Former Speakers and legislative insiders—JOHN BOEHNER, KEVIN MCCARTHY—alongside strategists like RAHM EMANUEL and KARL ROVE—offer candid, behind-the-scenes understanding of the Congressional dynamics driving this landmark bill. Top economic strategists including LAWRENCE SUMMERS, GARY COHN, EMILY OSTER, and JACK LEW break down the financial impact for business, government, and everyday Americans. Physician-economists and data storytellers like ANUPAM B. JENA, MD, PHD, JOEL BERVELL, and SHARON MALONE, MD bring the human implications of policy to life—translating data into action. 

Whether you’re advising clients, guiding teams, shaping public discourse, or preparing for disruption, this one-of-a-kind group offers the insight and credibility your audience needs—through keynotes, moderated forums, fireside chats, or private executive briefings. 

Explore HWA’s Healthcare Policy & H.R. 1 Experts >> 

Bill Frist is bridging critical minerals policy with conservation

As the global demand for clean energy soars, the race for critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel is accelerating. But how can the U.S. mine these essential resources without compromising the lands and ecosystems we depend on?

Senator BILL FRIST, MD, former U.S. Senate Majority Leader and current Chair of the Global Board of The Nature Conservancy, offers a rare blend of policy insight, environmental leadership, and pragmatic vision. In his widely read Forbes article, “When Nature is More Precious Than Gold,” Frist outlines a strategic path forward, one that champions innovation, sustainability, and American energy independence.

A leading voice at the intersection of planetary and human health, Frist speaks on:

  • How the U.S. can responsibly develop its rich domestic mineral reserves
  • The role of science, local communities, and land stewardship in shaping mining policy
  • What today’s energy transition means for geopolitics, climate resilience, and future generations

With clarity and urgency, Frist challenges audiences to think differently about conservation, energy, and long-term prosperity, making him an ideal speaker for corporate, government, academic, and environmental forums.

Book Bill Frist to explore how we can power the future without sacrificing the irreplaceable.

Read more from Bill Frist on Forbes →

Senator Bill Frist’s impact on policy as a community health expert physician

Senator and Dr. BILL FRIST has been at the forefront of many debates and government initiatives that have shaped a myriad of policies over the years, including the legislation that created the Medicare prescription drug plan and Medicare Advantage, as well as PEPFAR, the largest commitment by any nation to address a single disease in history, saving 21 million lives from HIV/AIDS.

Senator Frist brings an experienced voice to the current issues of health reform, education, government policy, climate change, global health issues, and volunteerism.

Watch Dr. Bill Frist’s keynote for Distributed Health >>

Senator Bill Frist’s Forbes column explores climate, healthcare, and policy

Senator and Dr. BILL FRIST’s widely-read Forbes column explores climate change, healthcare, and policy:

November, 2024: The Hidden Mental Health Crisis: Psychological And Mental Health Impacts Of The Changing Climate

October, 2024: The Hidden Heroes Of Agriculture: Why The Farm Bill Matters More Than Ever

September, 2024: Giving States The Tools To Decide For Themselves How To Fight Climate Change Is The Right Approach

Watch Senator Bill Frist’s TEDmed talk >>

Bill Frist's Podcast 'A Second Opinion' aims to improve healthcare in the U.S.

BILL FRIST's A Second Opinion is a podcast with a mission: it aims to substantially improve health and healthcare in communities across America through education and engagement at the nexus of policy, medicine and innovation. In over 200 weekly episodes and counting, Frist addresses today's challenging healthcare issues from three distinct vantage points - policy, medicine, and innovation - speaking to clinicians as a physician, policymakers as a former Senator, and executives and investors as a business founder, investor and board member. Frist's keynotes showcase the same compelling combination of varied experience and perspective, weaving insights on technology, leadership, policy, innovation and medicine into the crucial conversation surrounding healthcare.

Watch Bill Frist's TEDmed Talk here >>

HWA proudly represents three distinguished TIME Earth Award winners

Each year, TIME honors individuals whose actions have had an indelible impact on global efforts to address one of the most pressing crises facing our planet: climate change. Harry Walker Agency speakers CATHERINE COLEMAN FLOWERS, BILL FRIST, and JAY INSLEE have been recognized for their remarkable contributions to sustainability and environmental advocacy.  

Catherine Coleman Flowers, a pioneering environmental advocate, MacArthur “genius” grant recipient, and founder of the Center for Rural Enterprise and Environmental Justice, is celebrated for her tireless work addressing the environmental inequities of rural development in the U.S. Watch Catherine Coleman Flowers speak on climate justice at the Aspen Institute >> 

Bill Frist, a former U.S. Senate Majority Leader and renowned physician, is honored for his efforts in global health and climate solutions as the current Global Board Chair of The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the world’s largest conservation organization.  Watch Senator Frist speak on global policy at TEDmed >> 

Jay Inslee, a three-term Governor of Washington State and former U.S. Congressman, has been recognized for his leadership in driving bold, state-level policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and fostering green energy, such as the Climate Commitment Act. Watch Governor Inslee’s keynote address at the Foundation for Healthy Generations >>

These distinguished leaders continue to inspire transformative change, and their recognition underscores the powerful role they play in shaping a sustainable future for all. 

Senator Bill Frist receives rave reviews for his live events

Senator and Dr. BILL FRIST receives consistent rave reviews for his engaging, informative events:

  • Marsh: “Senator Frist was the 'Wow' factor for our HealthForum event.”
  • Premiere Inc.: “The Senator was gracious, wise, thoughtful and very well received by our attendees. In fact, a number of them are asking for copies of his presentation.”
  • Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation: "Senator Frist was wonderful. We received so many comments about how nice it was that he ‘did his homework’ and spoke about topics that were relevant to our audience and our organization."

Watch Senator Bill Frist speak at the TIME 100 Conference >>

 

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Books by Bill Frist
Prevention First: Policymaking for a Healthier America

Prevention First: Policymaking for a Healthier America

A Heart to Serve: The Passion to Bring Health, Hope and Healing

A Heart to Serve: The Passion to Bring Health, Hope and Healing

Bill Frist: A Senator Speaks Out on Ethics, Respect, and Compassion

Bill Frist: A Senator Speaks Out on Ethics, Respect, and Compassion

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Press & Media
The Plastic We Never See—But Eat Every Day - A Second Opinion
Former Republican Senator Bill Frist Says Climate Action Is Not a Partisan Issue - TIME Magazine
Rethinking American Health with Senator Bill Frist, M.D. - A Second Opinion Podcast
Workforce Wellness: It’s Time For Employers To Lead On Climate - Forbes
The Hidden Mental Health Crisis: Psychological And Mental Health Impacts Of The Changing Climate - Forbes
A business case for protecting workers from extreme heat - Fast Company
Protecting Our Health Starts With Our Planet: A Heart Surgeon’s View - Forbes
Senator Bill Frist Testifies on the National Costs of Climate Change - The Nature Conservancy
Giving States The Tools To Decide For Themselves How To Fight Climate Change Is The Right Approach - Forbes
Senator Bill Frist Elected Incoming Chair of The Nature Conservancy’s Board of Directors - The Nature Conservancy
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Ideas for the Meeting Planner
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Biography

Senator William Frist, MD, is a nationally recognized heart and lung transplant surgeon, former U.S. Senate Majority Leader, founding partner of Frist Cressey Ventures and chairman of the Executives Council of the health service investment firm Cressey & Company.  

Dr. Frist is host of the popular podcast “A Second Opinion, Rethinking American Health”, which focuses on the intersection of health, policy and innovation.  He is actively engaged in the business as well as the medical, humanitarian, and philanthropic communities.

As a U.S. Senator representing Tennessee from 1994 -2006 (the first practicing physician elected to the Senate since 1928), Dr. Frist was elected Majority Leader of the Senate, having served fewer total years in Congress than any person chosen to lead that body in history. His leadership was instrumental in the passage of the 2003 Medicare Modernization Act that established Medicare Advantage and the historic PEPFAR legislation that has provided life-saving treatment globally to 20 million people.

Senator Frist graduated from Princeton University and Harvard Medical School, and completed surgical training at Massachusetts General Hospital and Stanford.  As the founder of the Vanderbilt Multi-Organ Transplant Center, he performed over 150 heart and lung transplants, authored over 100 peer-reviewed medical articles, and published seven books on topics such as bioterrorism, transplantation and leadership.  He is board certified in both general and heart surgery.

As a leading authority on healthcare, Senator Frist speaks nationally on health reform, government policy, global health, and education reform. He is Co-Chair of the Health Project at the Bipartisan Policy Center and co-founder of Aspire Health, the nation’s largest non-hospice community-based palliative care company. His board service includes the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, and four publicly-traded companies: AECOM, Select Medical, Teladoc Health, and Smile Direct Club.

Dr. Frist is married and has three sons and lives on a farm in Franklin, Tennessee.

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