For the second year in a row, Prime Healthcare president receives recognition as national healthcare leader

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 2026. The national recognition honors healthcare leaders who are using their medical expertise to improve patient care and shape the industry.

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Dr. Bhatia’s recognition reflects his leadership in advancing a physician-led model of healthcare focused on quality, access, clinical excellence, and the long-term sustainability of community hospitals across the country. As president and chief medical officer of one of the nation’s largest physician-led health systems, Dr. Bhatia has helped guide Prime Healthcare’s growth to 55 hospitals and more than 360 outpatient locations across 15 states, while championing initiatives that improve patient safety, outcomes, and broad access to compassionate care.

“I am deeply honored by this recognition, but even more proud of the extraordinary physicians, nurses, clinicians, caregivers, and leaders across Prime Healthcare for what we have accomplished together,” said Dr. Bhatia. “While healthcare continues to evolve, our goal remains unchanged: to deliver exceptional clinical care, improve outcomes, support our communities, and ensure that local hospitals remain strong, accessible, and a source of healing and hope for generations to come.”

This marks the second consecutive year Dr. Bhatia has been recognized among Modern Healthcare's 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives, reflecting the sustained impact of his leadership and commitment. Board certified in six specialties, he leads with a unique combination of hands-on medical experience and strategic oversight to improve patient care.

Under Dr. Bhatia's leadership, Prime Healthcare completed its largest acquisition in 2025, successfully integrating eight Illinois hospitals and affiliated care sites so they could continue to serve local communities. In year one, Prime invested more than $104 million in clinical technology, facility modernization, cybersecurity, telemedicine expansion, and advanced care capabilities, while preserving more than 13,000 healthcare jobs and creating more than 1,000 new positions.

In 2026, Prime expanded its presence in Illinois through the acquisition of Olympia Fields Hospital, earning praise from the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board for its proven track record of strengthening hospitals, fulfilling commitments to communities, and advancing access to care.

Also in 2026, seven Prime Healthcare hospitals were named to Becker's Healthcare's "100 Great Community Hospitals" list, reflecting dedication to clinical excellence, patient safety, health equity, and expanding access to high-quality care in communities nationwide. Additionally, Dr. Bhatia’s leadership has also helped Prime hospitals earn more than 150 Healthgrades achievements throughout the past year for clinical excellence across numerous specialties.

This year, Prime Healthcare also expanded the footprint of its national nonprofit, Prime Healthcare Foundation, with the addition of Central Maine Healthcare, bringing the Foundation's network to 21 nonprofit hospitals across eight states. It committed $150 million in investments to strengthen facilities, services, infrastructure, and medical education in Maine.

Dr. Bhatia's recognition reflects not only his leadership, but also Prime Healthcare and Prime Healthcare Foundation’s enduring commitment to saving struggling community hospitals and ensuring they remain vital community assets where patients can receive compassionate, high-quality care. Since its founding in 2001, Prime Healthcare has invested more than $3.65 billion in hospital improvements and provided more than $16 billion in community benefits and charity care. Today, as one of the nation's largest health systems, Prime remains focused on building a healthier future by investing in people, innovation, and the long-term sustainability of community-based healthcare.

About Prime Healthcare and Prime Healthcare Foundation

Prime Healthcare is an award-winning health system operating 55 hospitals and more than 360 outpatient locations in 15 states, providing over 3 million patient visits annually. It is one of the nation’s leading health systems, with more than 60,000 employees and physicians. Twenty-one of the Prime Healthcare hospitals are members of the Prime Healthcare Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity. Based in Ontario, California, Prime Healthcare is nationally recognized for award-winning quality care and has been named a 10 Top and 15 Top Health System by Truven Health Analytics. Its hospitals have been named among the nation’s “100 Top Hospitals” 75 times and is one of Healthgrades most awarded health systems in the nation for patient safety. To learn more, please visit primehealthcare.com.

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As President and Chief Medical Officer of Prime Healthcare, Dr. Sunny Bhatia leads the nation's largest physician-led health system, strengthening hospitals, protecting more than 60,000 jobs, and expanding care in over 600 communities.