R. Clayton McWhorter

Creating a career as both a health care clinician and businessman, R. Clayton McWhorter began making an impact on the health care industry as a pharmacist after obtaining his B.S. in pharmacy from Samford University. Upon noticing the expansion of services he could provide patients by moving into the business side of health care, McWhorter became a hospital administrator, honing his leadership and management skills. Years later, McWhorter would go on to become President, Chairman and CEO of HealthTrust, Inc., Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of HCA and Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Clayton Associates, a firm created to invest in and advise health care entrepreneurs in the health care industry.

Committed to philanthropy and his community, McWhorter and his family contributed to education in Nashville and beyond through the creation of the McWhorter School of Pharmacy at Samford and Belmont’s McWhorter Hall and McWhorter Society. Throughout his career, McWhorter was also involved with a number of community organizations including the American Cancer Society, the YWCA and the Middle TN Council – Boy Scouts of America, among others. He also received many awards in recognition of his service including the United Way’s Tocqueville Award and the Joe Kraft Humanitarian Award.

McWhorter mentored many leaders throughout his career and is remembered for the four guiding principles he passed along to countless mentees. “Be prepared. Find a mentor and be a mentor. Act like an owner. Give back.”

A celebrated businessman, respected mentor and dedicated philanthropist, R. Clayton McWhorter is an inaugural inductee of the Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame.