Healthcare >> CEO Interviews >> November 15, 1999
DENNIS ALEXANDER SOKOL is Founder and Chairman of the Board of First
Medical Group (FMG). Prior to the formation of FMG, Mr. Sokol was
Chairman and Chief Executive of Hospital Corporation International,
Plc., the former International Division of Hospital Corporation of
America (HCA), which was purchased from HCA in November 1989 and the
American Medical Clinics, Ltd. HCI owned and operated hospitals and
primary care facilities in the United Kingdom, Central and Eastern
Europe, the Middle East and the Pacific Rim. In 1993, Generale de Sante,
a Generale des Eaux Group, purchased the bulk of HCI operations. Mr.
Sokol was the Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Medserv
Corporation and Primedica, a leader in the cardio-pulmonary contract
business, home healthcare services, contract services for hospitals in
respiratory care, critical care services and dental and veterinary
laboratory services. The Medserv Corporation was sold in 1988. Mr. Sokol
has held senior management positions with American Hospital Supply, W.R.
Grace and Pfizer Corporation. Mr. Sokol was the Founder and President of
the American Soviet Medical Consortium, whose members included Amoco,
Pfizer International, Colgate-Palmolive, Federal Express, Hewlett-
Packard and Hospital Corporation International, established to develop
joint ventures in healthcare with the former Soviet Union. The American
Medical Consortium was instrumental in aiding its members to develop 22
joint ventures in Russia and the former Soviet Union. In view of the
current political climate in the area, the American Medical Consortium
has ceased its activities for the time being. Mr. Sokol has served as
advisor to several leading corporations in their entry into the former
Soviet marketplace; these corporations include Rich Products, Chrysler,
Federal Express, Pfizer and Hewlett-Packard. Mr. Sokol also serves as an
advisor to the Ministry of Health for the Russian Federation. Mr. Sokol
is a member of the Board of Directors of the US-Russia business Council
and the Council for Trade and Economic Cooperation (CIS-USA). Mr. Sokol
received his BS from Arizona State University and his MIBA from the
American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird). Mr.
Sokol serves on the following Boards: Founding Director of the US-Russia
Business Council; Director, Council for Trade and Economic Cooperation
(CDIS and United States); Director, Board of Advisors, American Graduate
School of International Management (Thunderbird); Director, Glynson
Industries. Profile
enough historical perspective to get us into context for what you see as
your business and company today.
Mr. Sokol: First
