NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Bryan Terry, MD, R-Murfreesboro, was recognized as the 2026 Hospital Hero on Thursday by the Tennessee Hospital Association (THA).
The award recognizes lawmakers who champion policies that strengthen hospitals and improve the health and well-being of Tennesseans. Terry received the award during a presentation at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford alongside hospital leaders and representatives from the THA.
“Serving Tennesseans both in the clinic and in the legislature has given me a unique perspective on the challenges facing our healthcare system,” Terry said. “The progress we’ve made to strengthen healthcare in Tennessee has been possible because of the collaboration between lawmakers, healthcare providers and hospitals across our state. I’m honored by this recognition from the THA and grateful for everyone who has helped make that progress possible.”
Terry has served as chairman of the House Health Committee since 2019 and championed dozens of bills to strengthen Tennessee’s healthcare landscape
Most recently, he helped secure $350 million in the 2026-27 state budget for a new multi-purpose medical education facility at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, as well as $1.4 million recurring investment for the joint MTSU/Meharry Medical College rural physician program.
“Rep. Terry is a true legislative champion for Tennessee hospitals,” said Wendy Long, M.D., THA President and CEO. “As both a physician and a legislator, he brings a unique perspective to healthcare policy. His unwavering commitment to strengthening Tennessee’s healthcare system and his support of hospital priorities were instrumental to the Association’s legislative success this year.”
“Throughout his tenure in the General Assembly, Rep. Bryan Terry has been a trusted leader on healthcare issues and a strong advocate for Tennessee hospitals,” said Fahad Tahir, president and CEO of Ascension Saint Thomas. “His clinical experience, combined with his leadership as chairman of the House Health Committee, brings valuable perspective to policymaking. We are grateful for his commitment to strengthening healthcare access, supporting the next generation of physicians and ensuring hospitals can continue delivering high-quality care to communities across our state.”
The THA serves as an advocate for hospitals, health systems and other healthcare organizations across the state. For more information on the THA, visit https://tha.com/.
Bryan Terry, MD, represents District 48 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes the eastern half of Rutherford County.
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