Conversation with Tom Ozburn

In this episode, Sam speaks with Tom Ozburn, CEO of TriStar Centennial Medical Center, about what it takes to lead one of Nashville’s largest hospitals at a time of profound change in healthcare. Over his 25 years with HCA, Tom has led teams in Bowling Green, Chattanooga, and now Nashville, bringing an operator’s clarity and a deep sense of mission to every role. Their conversation explores how to balance high-acuity tertiary care with community health, the lessons from embedding social determinants into hospital strategy, and the meaning of value in an era of financial pressure and innovation. From moments of crisis to the promise of digital health and AI, Tom shares candid reflections on trust, culture, and the kind of leadership that sustains teams and communities alike.