Houston, TX - HCA Healthcare Gulf Coast Division announced today the appointment of Michael Nelson as ambulatory surgery vice president of operations effective Monday, August 17, 2020. In this role, Nelson will oversee operations, business development and physician partnership activity for 10 surgery centers within the Houston and South Texas markets.
Nelson joins HCA Healthcare Gulf Coast Division from DaVita Inc., where he served for two years as regional operations director, providing clinical and operational oversight for 18 Houston-area facilities that offer dialysis treatment and physician services.
Prior to DaVita, Michael worked four years with Nobilis Health Corporation, a Houston-based health system and management company with locations in Texas and Arizona, including 13 ambulatory surgery centers and four hospitals. He held multiple operational leadership roles including administrator, vice president of operations and health network president. In these roles, he focused much of his time developing service lines, improving operational efficiencies, managing acquisitions and coordinating strategic provider alignment in multiple markets.
"Michael's extensive experience working with a variety of outpatient care facilities and provider groups will be a tremendous asset in his new role," said HCA Healthcare Gulf Coast Division chief administrative officer Evan Ray. "His business acumen, knowledge of surgery center operations and familiarity with our markets will allow for a smooth transition into the position and I know he is eager to help us take our ambulatory surgery division to new heights."
Nelson began his healthcare career as a practice manager for a cardiology group in Pasadena, Texas. He completed his administrative fellowship at Harris Health System in Houston, where he continued to work for 7 ½ years in multiple roles including a five-year tenure as administrative director of ancillary and support services.
Nelson received a dual master's degree in healthcare administration and business administration from the University of Houston - Clear Lake and holds a bachelor of business administration in entrepreneurial management from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), a member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) and a member of the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA).