Sound Physicians Marks 25 Years of Physician-led Care and Continued Evolution

From a physician's vision in Tacoma, Washington, to a growing multispecialty medical group with deep value-based care expertise, Sound remains focused on helping clinicians, patients, and partners thrive

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sound Physicians is celebrating 25 years of serving patients and local communities through physician-led care, marking a journey that's expanded its clinical capabilities and strengthened its expertise in value-based care while keeping people at the center of its practice.

Sound's story began in 2001 when Dr. Robert Bessler, an emergency medicine physician, recognized an opportunity to improve patients' transition from the emergency department to inpatient care. At a time when hospital medicine was still emerging, Dr. Bessler envisioned a physician-led medical group that would put patients first while giving clinicians the support they needed to focus on caring for patients.

Sound's foundation was built around a simple premise: Be the practice of choice for clinicians and the partner of choice for hospitals while taking exceptional care of patients. That has meant continuously investing in professional development, local clinical leadership, and practice autonomy, while enabling clinicians to work at the top of their license, all of which contributes to Sound's strong, collaborative culture. It's also meant empowering physicians to lead clinical decisions and building support systems needed to attract, retain, and develop high-performing clinical teams.

"Over the past 25 years, Sound has evolved from a pioneering hospital medicine practice into a leading multispecialty medical group with growing capabilities across value-based care," said Jeff Alter, Chief Executive Officer, Sound Physicians. "Through every milestone and every new chapter, people have remained at the heart of Sound's success. From the partners who entrust us to care for their communities, to the clinicians who deliver that care, and the patients we serve every day."

Sound has played an active role in the growth of value-based care. The organization was the largest initiator of the Bundled Payments for Care Improvement Advanced model and today participates in the Medicare Shared Savings Program operating two accountable care organizations (ACOs) serving long-term care populations. Sound will continue to grow its value-based care offerings in 2027, expanding its impact among aging populations. The organization will also remain a trusted partner for hospitals and health systems nationwide, providing expertise and support in navigating evolving complexities of value-based care and Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations.

"Our physician-led model continues to shape how we work today," said John Birkmeyer, MD, President, Medical Group, Sound Physicians. "When clinicians have a meaningful voice in how they provide care, local leaders can respond to the unique needs of their communities, ultimately providing better care for patients."

Today, Sound partners with hospitals, health systems, and provider groups across the care continuum in hospital and emergency medicine, critical care, anesthesia, telemedicine, managed services, and accountable care. By combining deep expertise in acute care with a growing focus on post-acute coordination and population health, Sound helps ensure patients receive connected, high-quality care wherever they are in their healthcare journey, with physicians leading clinical decision-making every step of the way.

Looking ahead, Sound is focused on building lasting value for patients, partners, and communities by continuously strengthening its clinical expertise and physician leadership, and always looking at how care can be more innovative and sustainable for its partners. Since its inception, Sound remains committed to investing in its people, cultivating enduring partnerships, and improving patient care and the entire patient experience across acute and post-care settings. To learn more, visit soundphysicians.com.

About Sound Physicians

As a physician-founded and led medical group, our priority is building lasting partnerships with hospitals and health systems to ensure every patient receives the care they need – and deserve. Shaped over two-plus decades by clinical excellence and well-honed business acumen, we're proud to have more than 4,000 clinicians serving across emergency and hospital medicine, critical care, and anesthesia. Through these specialties, we touch the lives of millions of patients each year in local communities across 45 states. We also support the health and well-being of tens of thousands of long-term care residents, some of the most vulnerable patients, through our accountable care organization. From addressing universal challenges to unique community needs, we help our partners and clinical teams thrive today and well into the future. For more information, visit SoundPhysicians.com

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SOURCE Sound Physicians