HCA Healthcare was created through the vision of founders Dr. Thomas F. Frist, Sr., Mr. Jack Massey and Dr. Thomas "Tommy" Frist, Jr., and today HCA Healthcare is a learning health system that continues to invest in and develop the latest technology, treatments and tools that help shape the future of patient care. Established in 2010, the HCA Innovators Award honors HCA Healthcare's legacy of innovation by recognizing the entrepreneurial spirit and forward thinking of HCA Healthcare's colleagues today. Through their efforts and innovation, Healthcare strives to deliver the most effective care with the best possible results. The HCA Innovators Award recipient receives a $5,000 gift and a $5,000 donation to the charity of the recipient's choice.

This year's HCA Innovators Award recipient is Gabriel O. Perez Rodriquez, vice president of software development. Perez developed five HCA Healthcare patents and has distinguished himself as an innovative thinker who has helped improve operations and patient care during his 16 years with HCA Healthcare. Most notably, Perez introduced the nationally recognized ER Wait Times system, which led to process improvements in the ER and increased patient satisfaction.

"Innovation and discovery are key to our goal to continually improve care and the patient experience," said Bill Rutherford, executive vice president and chief financial officer of HCA Healthcare. "Gabe's creativity, patient-centered approach and problem solving abilities have led to innovation at HCA Healthcare that is improving patient care."