The former long-time Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Harry Jacobson, has joined the board of directors at MedSolutions.

Jacobson functioned as VUMC's chief executive for 12 years, during which time he oversaw the addition of the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital and development of the 100 Oaks clinic complex, among other growth measures. Following his retirement from Vanderbilt in June 2009, Jacobson formed early-stage investment group Tri-Star Technology Ventures and is working to build a separate, big-dollar health care investment fund.

He comes to the radiology management services firm following a big private equity investment by Boston-based TA Associates. According to an SEC filing following the news, MedSolutions is flush with $300 million in new debt and equity from the deal. (Notice Jacobson is already listed as a director in the November filing.)

In making today's announcement, MedSolutions CEO Curt Thorne said the company is honored to have Jacobson on the board. "Harry has had a hand in building many successful health care companies," Thorne said. "Throughout his career, he maintained a focus on improving quality, enhancing patient safety and controlling unnecessary costs. His insights and experience in these areas align perfectly with our organization's goals, and we look forward to his guidance as we work to maximize growth opportunities."

Prior to VUMC, Jacobson, a former chief of nephrology for the U.S. Army, co-founded dialysis service company Renal Care Group, which was later acquired by Fresenius Medical Care. He also serves on the board of directors for Merck (Ticker: MRK), Kinetic Concepts (Ticker: KCI), Ingram Industries and several early-stage health care businesses.