Hospitalist company Cogent HMG said it has hired Kent McMackin from HCA to be its senior vice president of physician services.

At HCA, McMackin was VP of the hospital titan's physician services, hospital-based programs and physician strategic sourcing. He has more than 20 years of health care experience and began his tenure at HCA in the company's West Florida division.

Cogent HMG officials said McMackin's hiring demonstrates their commitment to their hospital clients in a fluid health care sector. McMackin will oversee Cogent's aggressive national recruitment and retention plans: The Brentwood-based company, which is home to more than 1,000 physicians and other providers, plans to recruit no fewer than 400 physicians in 2012.

“Due in large part to our ability to recruit and retain high quality physicians, Cogent HMG has gained a reputation for delivering improvements in clinical quality, cost efficiency and patient satisfaction at each of the hospitals we serve,” said CEO Steve Houff. “Given the shortage and increasing demand for physicians in our industry, this area of our business has never been more complex. We are delighted to welcome a seasoned executive like Kent to lead our physician services.”

Cogent's organic growth push comes on the heels of two 2011 strategic deals, the merger with Hospitalist Management Group and the acquisition of The Intensivist Group.