Meharry Medical College (MMC), the nation’s largest private, independent historically Black academic health sciences center, announced the acquisition of eight medical clinics previously owned by Sanitas U.S.A., Inc. (Sanitas), in a joint venture with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. The acquisition was facilitated by MMCV, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of MMC charged with non-academic-related business development efforts and investment strategies.
The transaction was finalized on March 31. Terms are not being disclosed. The clinics, located in Nashville and Memphis, currently serve a total of 25,000 active patients and will be expanding care options in the future. The clinics employ 172 individuals, including 40 providers.
The change in ownership does not impact current patients’ access to care, and the clinics are maintaining normal operations and schedules. In the coming months, the clinics will be rebranded and integrated into the Meharry Health Network, with the goal of enhancing the care experience and expanding access to a comprehensive suite of medical services.
“This strategic acquisition aligns with and amplifies Meharry’s mission to deliver community-focused healthcare and expand access to high-quality medical services,” said Dr. James E.K. Hildreth, Sr., president/CEO of Meharry Medical College. “By integrating these practices into Meharry Health Network, MMC will be able to leverage our resources and expertise to enhance the care experience for patients while also creating new training and career opportunities for our students, faculty and alumni.”
The acquisition will allow MMC to provide more local clinical training sites for its medical students and residents, further strengthening the institution’s role as a leader in healthcare education and research. Additionally, Meharry Health Network will explore opportunities to expand care at the clinics, such as adding specialty and ambulatory surgery services. Meharry Health Network will also seek to expand relationships with additional insurance providers, broadening access for patients beyond BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee members.
“As academic healthcare institutions across the nation continue to face a rapidly evolving landscape, mission-aligned ventures like this ensure continued access to high-quality care and strengthen our clinical enterprise,” said MMC’s Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. Nelson L. Adams III. “Through thoughtful investments in care delivery, we maintain vital services in the Nashville and Memphis communities while creating opportunities for continued growth across the institution. This is how we ensure our success in the long term.”
The acquisition also represents a major milestone for MMCV and its support of Meharry Medical College. “Adding these clinics puts into action MMCV’s goal of leveraging partnerships, strategic investments, and commercial opportunities to support initiatives within Meharry Medical College,” said Reginald D. Holt, MMCV’s president/CEO. “We are able to thoughtfully integrate new assets into Meharry Health Network and maximize the benefit to our patients, students, faculty, and the broader community.”
“We extend our sincere appreciation to Sanitas and BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee for their commitment to expanding access to high-quality, community-based healthcare,” said Dr. Hildreth. “As we move forward, we recognize the strong foundation they have built and are eager to collaborate in ensuring a seamless continuation of care for patients. This acquisition represents a transformative moment for our organization; our students, faculty and alumni; and, most importantly, patients and local communities who will benefit from Meharry’s exceptional commitment to equitable healthcare.”
