Our History

Our History

A Strong Foundation

From our roots in behavioral health to our groundbreaking partnership with leading real estate investment trust Ventas, Ardent has earned a reputation as one of the industry’s strongest – and most innovative – hospital operators. Since 2001, Ardent has invested more than $835 million in raising the standard of care in the communities we serve.

2020:  Martin J. (Marty) Bonick appointed president and chief executive officer.
2018:  East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System acquired in partnership with The University of Texas System to form 10-hospital UT Health East Texas.
2017:  St. Francis Health (Topeka, Kansas) acquired and renamed The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus (JV with The University of Kansas Health System)
2017:  LHP Hospital Group, Inc. acquired, adding five hospitals operated as joint ventures with leading not-for-profit and academic medical centers.
2015:  Ardent acquired by Ventas, Inc. a leading real estate investment trust.
Equity Group Investments acquired majority ownership of Ardent’s hospital operations; Ventas and the Ardent management team retained significant ownership.
2014: Tulsa Spine & Specialty Hospital (Tulsa, Oklahoma) acquired.
2013:  BSA Health System (Amarillo, Texas) acquired.
2012:  Lovelace Regional Hospital Roswell (Roswell, New Mexico) acquired.
2011:  Heart Hospital of New Mexico at Lovelace Medical Center (Albuquerque, New Mexico) acquired.
Hillcrest Hospital South (Tulsa, Oklahoma) and Hillcrest Hospital Claremore (Claremore, Oklahoma) acquired.
2009: Construction on $69 million Oklahoma Heart Institute (Tulsa, Oklahoma) is completed.
Ardent is selected to participate in CMS’ bundled payment demonstration.
2006: Bailey Medical Center (Owasso, Oklahoma), first de novo hospital, opens.
2005: Behavioral hospitals sold to support Ardent’s acute care focus.
2004: Hillcrest HealthCare System (Tulsa, Oklahoma) acquired.
2003: Lovelace Health System (Albuquerque, New Mexico) acquired.
2001: Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe became majority owner.
David Vandewater appointed president & CEO.
1993: Ardent founded as Behavioral Healthcare Corporation, an owner and operator of psychiatric hospitals.

Ardent Health Services

Ardent Health Services is a leading provider of healthcare in communities across the country. With a focus on consumer-friendly processes and investments in innovative services and technologies, Ardent is passionate about making healthcare better and easier to access.

Contact Us

340 Seven Springs Way
Suite 100
Brentwood, TN 37027
(615) 296-3000