Prime Healthcare’s Dr. Sunny Bhatia Named One of Modern Healthcare’s 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives of 2025
ONTARIO, CALIF. (June 9, 2025) – Prime Healthcare is proud to announce that Sunny Bhatia, MD, MMM, FACHE, FACC, FSCAI, President and Chief Medical Officer, has been named one of Modern Healthcare’s 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives for 2025. This national recognition highlights Dr. Bhatia’s exceptional leadership, clinical expertise and dedication to advancing healthcare access and quality across the country.
Dr. Bhatia has played a central role in shaping one of the largest physician-led health systems in the nation, with more than 50 hospitals and 360 outpatient locations in 14 states. His leadership has been instrumental in Prime Healthcare’s ongoing success in improving hospital performance, expanding access to care and fostering a culture of clinical excellence.
“Becoming a clinician doesn’t automatically prepare one for a leadership role,” said Mary Ellen Podmolik, Editor-in-Chief of Modern Healthcare. “The 50 clinicians chosen this year are having an oversized impact. Their work is benefiting their own teams in terms of clinical advancements and financial results and is leading to better patient outcomes.”
Under Dr. Bhatia’s guidance, Prime Healthcare completed its largest acquisition to date in 2025: the purchase of eight hospitals, four senior living facilities, and associated physician practices from Ascension in Illinois. Within weeks of the transition, Prime launched the Epic electronic health record system at one of the largest hospitals, stabilized operations and created over 1,000 new jobs by insourcing key services—all while retaining nearly all former Ascension employees. Prime has committed $250 million in capital investments to support the revitalization of these facilities, ensuring long-term sustainability and stronger care delivery.
Reflecting on the honor, Dr. Bhatia shared, “This recognition is not mine alone. It represents the collective dedication and extraordinary work of our entire Prime Healthcare family. I am deeply honored to be named among the most influential clinical leaders, but even more proud of what this says about the mission we serve. In the midst of daily challenges, it’s easy to lose sight of how far we’ve come. Prime’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable, and it has only been possible because of the unwavering commitment of our teams. From our frontline staff to our hospital leaders, I am continually inspired by their resilience, compassion and relentless drive to improve care. The progress we’ve made, especially as we’ve expanded into Illinois, has been humbling and deeply meaningful. This moment is a reflection of their sacrifices, their service and their belief in something greater than themselves: advancing health and healing in every community we touch.”
Dr. Bhatia was recently featured on the Becker’s Healthcare Podcast, where he discussed Prime’s mission-driven approach to hospital transformation and the importance of physician-led integration. He also contributed to Chicago Medicine magazine, highlighting Prime’s commitment to underserved communities and its values-based strategy for growth.
Board certified in six specialties and active in clinical practice, Dr. Bhatia brings a unique combination of hands-on medical experience and strategic oversight to his role. His leadership continues to guide Prime’s focus on delivering compassionate, high-quality and accessible care while revitalizing hospitals across the country.
Since its founding in 2001, Prime Healthcare has invested more than $2.78 billion in hospital improvements and provided over $14 billion in community benefits and charity care. Dr. Bhatia’s recognition underscores the strength of Prime’s mission and its unwavering commitment to improving healthcare one hospital and one community at a time.
