(Atlanta, GA/April 8, 2009) Thomas "Tom" William Baker, of the law firm Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC, has been named an Outstanding Physician Practice Lawyer by Nightingale's Healthcare News, a newsletter for healthcare executives and professionals serving the healthcare industry. Mr. Baker is among 10 attorneys from across the country who were named to the list, which is published annually by Nightingale's.
Mr. Baker, who is a shareholder in the Atlanta office of Baker Donelson, was recognized for his recent work advising a joint venture pathology lab company serving hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers and other healthcare facilities located in underserved areas. His representation includes working with hospitals, physicians, physician group practices, nursing homes, home health agencies, rehabilitation agencies, hospices, mental retardation facilities, independent diagnostic testing facilities, ambulatory surgery centers, therapy providers, management companies, durable medical equipment suppliers and assisted living and personal care homes.
"Baker Donelson is pleased that Nightingale's continues to recognize so many of our attorneys as among the outstanding health lawyers in the nation in many categories," said Richard G. Cowart, chair of the Firm's Health Law Department. "As one of the leading physician health law practitioners in the region and nation, Tom Baker is the latest to be honored by Nightingale's, and we're proud that he has received this well-deserved recognition."
An approved dispute resolver by the American Health Law Association Alternative Dispute Resolution Service, Mr. Baker often serves as an arbitrator for healthcare related disputes. He is a frequent author and sought-after speaker on healthcare related topics, and he is an adjunct faculty member for Auburn University's Executive MBA Program, teaching a course in "The Legal Aspects of Health Care Business Transactions." He was recognized in Atlanta Business Chronicle's "Who's Who in Health Care" in 2004 and 2005.
Mr. Baker earned his J.D. from Vanderbilt University. He holds an M.B.A. from Georgia State University and an A.B. degree from Syracuse University. He is an active member of the Georgia Hospital Association, the American Association of Preferred Provider Organizations, the National Association of Specialty Healthcare Organizations, the Southern Institute for Business of Professional Ethics and the Georgia Academy of Healthcare Attorneys.
Baker Donelson's Health Law Department is one of the top five health law firms in the country (Health Lawyer News). Attorneys in the Firm's Health Law Department deliver a wide array of corporate, regulatory and financial services grounded in an institutional knowledge of the healthcare industry. The Department also provides a full spectrum of litigation services in commercial and contract matters, antitrust disputes, regulatory and governmental issues, and defense of tort cases for a myriad of healthcare providers.