MU Health Care is the second-largest employer in Columbia/Boone County, according to 2025 statistics from Columbia Regional Economic Development Incorporated (REDI). MU Health Care chief executive officer Ric Ransom and chief medical officer Ambulatory care Dr. Laura Morris joined Fred Parry in-studio for the hour Saturday on 939 the Eagle’s “CEO Roundtable”. Mr. Ransom says MU Health Care has about 8,300 employees, along with another 1,000 physicians. Ransom says in net patient service revenue was about $2.5 billion in 2025. MU Health Care supports legislation that would allow the UM Curators and MU Health Care to acquire, purchase, manage or sell hospitals/medical facilities in 25 counties. Ransom explained why that’s important during the interview. “As we look at other hospitals in that 25-county area that are struggling and interested in partnering or maybe becoming part of the health care system, more growth brings with it the risk that there would be an antitrust objection or hurdle to partnering or acquiring another hospital,” he tells listeners. There is opposition to that bill from veteran State Rep. Kent Haden (R-Mexico), who would rather MU Health Care reopen closed hospitals in Mexico, Fulton and Boonville. Ransom also tells listeners that Columbia’s Keene Street medical center, formerly Columbia Regional Hospital, will be more and more an ambulatory and specialty care lab. Dr. Morris, who is also a family practice physician in Fulton, discussed the importance of providing health care in Callaway County. She grew up in mid-Missouri’s Holts Summit and also emphasizes the importance of good internet in rural Missouri. She praises Callabyte Technology and the internet they provide in Callaway County for telemedicine and other uses: