The Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame celebration at Belmont University serves as an annual reminder of the depth and breadth of industry expertise that originates from this state to impact healthcare on a national and global scale.

Since the Hall of Fame's inception in 2015, Middle Tennessee icons have been well represented in each of the classes -- not surprising for an area where healthcare is an $84 billion industry. What's so striking about these legends, though, is the legacy of innovation they have fostered. Through thought leadership, generosity of spirit, a willingness to mentor and a true passion to effect transformative change, the honorees have all played a role in creating a collaborative community that is open to new viewpoints and supportive of healthy competition.

It's evident while flipping through the pages of the 2018 edition of InCharge Healthcare, Middle Tennessee is blessed with a wealth of impressive leaders -- some of whom are undoubtedly 'Hall of Famers' to be. While the men and women profiled in this edition impact healthcare at different inflection points, what makes them so successful is an ongoing recognition that their decisions ultimately impact patients and access to care ... no matter what their role in the healthcare ecosystem.

While providers and facilities operators are certainly a central part of the equation, so are the venture capitalists, bankers and mentors who fund and nurture innovation ... the healthcare attorneys, accountants and consultants who help facilitate connections while keeping clients on the right side of state and federal regulations ... the association executives advocating for thoughtful reforms ... and the technology experts figuring out the most effective, efficient ways to deliver care and share information.

As part of Middle Tennessee's healthcare community for more than two decades, we hope that Nashville Medical News is also an integral part of the region's healthcare community. Through nearly 25 years of continuous publication, our goal has remained constant -- to serve the industry by delivering meaningful news and insights on the clinical, business, research and regulatory issues of interest to our readers.

While much thought and care has gone into creating this list and ensuring its accuracy, we recognize change is constant. We also know there are other deserving leaders who could be included. Please feel free to help us grow future editions by emailing your thoughts and ideas to editor@nashvillemedicalnews.com.