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| photography by Dan Sellers |
At the end of 2002, tenet healthcare was in crisis: A billing scandal and problems at several hospitals with plagued the Tenet system, causing the company’s stock to fall 80 percent in a matter of weeks. Trevor Fetter was brought back to Tenet in late 2002 (he had previously served as CFO before leaving in 2000) to turn the company around. Just four years later, he is making solid progress. Now, Fetter is focused on finding a solution for the 47 million Americans who lack health insurance. Under his leadership, Tenet has introduced a program that provides discount pricing for the uninsured, a first of its kind for a company of Tenet’s size. Other major hospital systems have since followed suit.
Age: 47
Title, Company: President and CEO, Tenet Healthcare Corporation
Tenure as CEO: September 2003 to present
What was your first job?
I worked as the janitor in a boatyard in San Diego, Calif., when I was 16. It was a small boatyard run by an eclectic fellow who was one of the greatest sailboat racers and builders ever. The yard made custom racing yachts.
What was your worst job?
Same. The boats were built out of aluminum and I would go home every night with at least one dirty (and painful) aluminum splinter in my hands.
If you couldn’t say “the people I work with,” what would you say is the best part of your job?
It’s what we do at Tenet—providing quality health care to people. Our people bring babies into the world, heal people who are sick, and comfort those who are dying.
What’s the worst part?
Our health care system has forced hospitals and doctors to become, in effect, the insurers of the uninsured. If I could be granted one wish, it would be for all Americans to have some form of health insurance coverage. The United States has the resources to do this.
On weekends, where would people find you?
On Saturday, I’m typically at home catching up on work, playing with our new puppy, and spending time with my family. On Sunday afternoon, I can usually be found racing my Flying Scot sailboat on White Rock Lake with my friend Trey Fielder.
What’s your favorite TV show?
Curb your Enthusiasm, but I’m at least one year behind. Thank goodness for Tivo.
What’s your most recent major purchase?
For Valentine’s Day I gave my wife a very nice purse. The truth is that she had picked it out in advance and my romantic act was to procure it and hide it in the attic for a month. To me, the purse is indistinguishable from at least three other purses she already has, but it was a hit nonetheless.
What do you consider to be your biggest weakness?
Being impatient. All the time.
What’s the best advice anyone ever gave you?
When I learned to fly, I had a crusty, seasoned instructor who gave me a piece of advice about
flying that applies equally well to managing a company and executing strategy: “Plan your flight, and fly the plan.”
