James E. Patrick is a founding shareholder and CEO
of National Healing Corp., founded in 1996. Patrick
received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year
2011 Florida Award in the health care category. Photo by Tim Stepien
By Linda Haase
Although his law practice was thriving, James Patrick couldn’t pass up an opportunity to do something different.
And, he says, his decision to co-found National Healing Corp. in 1996 has been very gratifying. The Boca Raton-based company, which provides management services and the latest technology and expertise in wound healing to hospitals to establish quality wound healing programs, has grown tremendously. It now partners with more than 170 hospitals in 32 states, including Bethesda Memorial Hospital (its first managed wound center), says Patrick, the company’s CEO.
The hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed. In June, Patrick, who lives in coastal Boca Raton, was given the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Florida in the health care category. The award is given for exceptional entrepreneurial achievements, honoring leaders who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses.
“It is an honor. It is a milestone for me. It’s a recognition that our company has pioneered new ways to approach the health care service market for wound care and has made a meaningful imprint nationally on how wound care services are delivered,” he said, (Patrick is now eligible for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2011 National Award).
“We are helping people live longer and better lives and that is personally a rewarding thing to be able to do,” said Patrick, 51. The company has a tremendous opportunity to grow — and combat a rising tide of chronic wounds caused by the increased incidence of diabetes, vascular disease, obesity and an aging population, he says.
“My professional goal is to build this company to a leadership position in wound care and champion the best healing rates for our patients as possible,” he says.
Although Patrick spends a lot of time traveling for business, home is Boca Raton, where he lives with his wife, Donna, and children, 17-year-old Kendra and 15-year-old Truman.
“We like to travel, go to museums and spend time together. Family is the bedrock of my life and existence. Continuing to share and grow as a family is very important to me,” says Patrick, who has a Juris Doctor degree from Albany Law School and a LL.M. degree in taxation from the University of San Diego. “My personal goal is to continue to build a strong and loving relationship with my family.”
Patrick, who played football in high school and at Boston University (where he graduated with a bachelor of arts degree), also jogs, skis and is a voracious reader — everything from classic literature to economics to cultural and religious history.
And, no doubt, he’ll be researching India, which he plans to visit in the fall. Ú
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