On the Brink, Season 1, Episode 7
About This Episode
Dr. Eric Haas has spent his career at the forefront of colon and rectal surgery, but his ambitions extend beyond the operating room. As founder and president of the Houston Colon, he recognized that leasing clinical space came with limitations — for his surgical practice and his patients. That realization sparked a journey into healthcare real estate development that would reshape how he delivers care.
In this episode, Dr. Haas walks Carolyn through building a purpose-built facility designed to bring specialists together under one roof. His vision centers on collaboration: surgical and gastroenterological services working in concert, creating a seamless experience for patients who often navigate fragmented care. It’s an approach reflecting a broader shift in healthcare, where integration is producing better outcomes.
But vision alone doesn’t build buildings. Dr. Haas opens up about the practical realities: finding the right land, aligning with partners who understand healthcare development, and navigating a process most clinicians never encounter. His story is inspiration and instruction for any physician considering a similar path.
Key Themes and Takeaways
- Dr. Eric Haas discusses his journey as a colorectal surgeon and visionary leader.
- He emphasizes the importance of taking control of one’s practice by owning real estate.
- The conversation highlights the significance of collaboration with trusted partners and developers.
- Dr. Haas shares insights on creating a center of excellence for outpatient procedures.
- He notes that patient care improves when services are integrated within the same facility.
- The episode encourages listeners to pursue their vision and find advisors who can facilitate their goals.
Chapters
- 00:25 – The Entrepreneurial Vision of Dr. Eric Haas
- 05:19 – Vision for the Future: A New Center of Excellence
- 07:40 – Navigating the Development Process
- 13:00 – Navigating the Project Development Journey
- 14:01 – The Journey to Improving Patient Care
About the Host
Carolyn Wilson brings decades of operational expertise in ASC development and healthcare real estate.
She’s guided countless physician groups through the journey from initial conversation to successful operations—and she understands the challenges that keep surgeons up at night.
Connect with Carolyn Wilson on LinkedIn
About the Guest
Dr. Eric Haas is a board-certified colorectal surgeon, founder and president of Houston Colon, and Chief of the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery at Houston Methodist Hospital.
A recognized leader and innovator in robotic and minimally invasive colorectal surgery, Dr. Haas also serves as Program Director of the Minimally Invasive Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship Program at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston.
You can connect with Dr. Haas on LinkedIn.