Top 6 Healthcare Billionaires in The U.S. - And How They Impact Your Nursing Career

Bloomberg recently released its latest Billionaires Index, a daily ranking of the world’s 500 richest people. Many names on the list will be familiar: Musk, Zuckerberg, Bezos, Gates. But, 32 names, including 6 in the US, have made their fortunes within the healthcare industry. Who made the list and what part of our healthcare system do they control?

The Healthcare Titans: Top Billionaires in US Healthcare

According to recent reports, the top billionaires in US healthcare as of February 2025 represent a diverse range of healthcare-related businesses, from hospital chains to medical device manufacturers. 

Thomas Frist Jr., MD

#62 on Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index (#31 in US, #1 in Worldwide Healthcare, #1 in US Healthcare)

Total Net Worth: $29.3B

As the co-founder of HCA Healthcare in 1968, Dr. Frist has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of for-profit hospitals in the United States, serving as HCA’s president in 1977 and later as chairman and CEO in 1987, roles in which he significantly expanded HCA's network of hospitals across the United States. Beyond his leadership at HCA, Dr. Frist has been recognized for his philanthropic efforts, including co-founding the United Way Alexis de Tocqueville Society. 

Carl Cook

#143 on Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index (#55 in US, #6 in Worldwide Healthcare, #2 in US Healthcare)

Total Net Worth: $15.9B

Owner and CEO of Cook Group, a medical device manufacturer. Carl Cook runs the company founded by his parents, William and Gayle Cook. Under his leadership since 2011, Cook Group has expanded its operations, maintaining its status as a global leader in the medical device industry.

 

Bob Duggan

#145 on Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index (#57 in US, #7 in Worldwide Healthcare, #3 in US Healthcare)

Total Net Worth: $15.9B

Bob Duggan is an American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and biotech executive, currently serving as the co-CEO and chairman of Summit Therapeutics. He previously led Pharmacyclics as chairman and CEO from 2008 to 2015, overseeing the development of the cancer drug Imbruvica and its subsequent $21 billion acquisition by AbbVie. Beyond his professional endeavors, Duggan is known for his philanthropic contributions to educational institutions. 

Patrick Soon-Shiong, MD

#249 on Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index (#108 in US, #11 in Worldwide Healthcare, #4 in US Healthcare)

Total Net Worth: $11.0B

Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong is a South African–American surgeon, scientist, and entrepreneur, renowned for inventing the cancer drug Abraxane, used in treating breast, lung, and pancreatic cancers. He founded NantWorks, a network of healthcare, biotech, and artificial intelligence companies, has published over 100 scientific papers, and holds more than 500 patents worldwide. In 2018, Dr. Soon-Shiong became the owner and executive chairman of the Los Angeles Times, further extending his influence into media.

Ronda Stryker

#261 on Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index (#112 in US, #12 in Worldwide Healthcare, #5 in US Healthcare)

Total Net Worth: $10.7B

Ronda Stryker is an American billionaire heiress and philanthropist, serving as a director and largest individual shareholder of Stryker Corporation, the medical equipment company founded by her grandfather, Homer Stryker. Beyond her corporate role, Stryker is known for her significant philanthropic contributions, including a $100 million donation to Spelman College in 2024, the largest in the institution's history. 

Pat Stryker

#355 on Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index (#145 in US, #17 in Worldwide Healthcare, #6 in US Healthcare)

Total Net Worth: $8.6B

Pat Stryker (relative to Ronda Stryker, above) is an American billionaire heiress, philanthropist, and political activist, known for her significant contributions to various causes. In 2001, she founded the Bohemian Foundation, which supports music, arts, and community initiatives through grantmaking and events. As a prominent political donor, Stryker has supported Democratic candidates and progressive causes, notably contributing $3 million to defeat a 2002 Colorado ballot initiative aimed at limiting bilingual education. 

Other Notable Billionaires Worldwide

Some other notable stats from Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index:

• 49 countries are represented on the list of the 500 wealthiest billionaires worldwide
• The US has 191 billionaires on the list of 500
• The next ten countries combined roughly equal the US in terms of total billionaires
• The next five countries with the most billionaires: China (56), India (25), Russia (21), Germany (19), Canada (14)
• As a sector, Healthcare had the 7th most number of billionaires on the list worldwide
• The top three sectors by number of billionaires worldwide: Technology (86), Finance (65), Industrial (56)
• In the US, the healthcare sector was 13th (out of 14) in terms of the number of billionaires (Technology, Finance, Energy were the top)

The billionaires in charge of US healthcare represent a diverse group of investors, executives, and innovators. Their influence extends beyond their individual companies, shaping the broader healthcare landscape through philanthropy, media, political contributions, and policy advocacy. As the healthcare sector continues to evolve, it will be crucial to monitor how these powerful individuals and the companies they lead impact the accessibility, affordability, and quality of healthcare for all Americans.

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