Kavitha Bhatia, MD, MMM, FAAP

Dr. Bhatia is President and Chair of the Prime Healthcare Foundation and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Strategy for Prime Healthcare, one of the nation’s largest health systems with 45 hospitals in 14 states providing over 2.6 million patient visits annually, earning recognition among America’s “100 Top Hospitals” and “top 15 Health Systems.” Dr. Bhatia leads strategy and value creation across the system through strategic partnerships, acquisitions, corporate restructuring, clinical initiatives, government relations and oversees all legal functions. During her tenure, the Prime Healthcare Foundation has grown exponentially and has established one of the newest medical schools in the country, the California University of Science and Medicine, where she serves as Founding Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees. 

 
Kavitha graduated Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelor of Science in Physiology and Neuroscience from the University of California, San Diego. She received her Medical Degree from the UCLA School of Medicine, graduating with Honors and Letters of Distinction in Doctoring.  She then completed her Pediatric Residency at UCLA.  Kavitha has also earned certification in Healthcare Strategy from Harvard Business School and a Master of Medical Management from the USC Marshall School of Business.  She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and has been recognized among the nation’s physician leaders, including a recipient of the “Top Women in Healthcare” award.
 
Kavitha’s career has focused on improving the health and lives of children and families. She began her career as a pediatric hospitalist caring primarily for pediatric liver transplant patients, then practiced general pediatrics for a decade.  Her philanthropic work has been broad, including caring for the dying in the slums of Calcutta to teaching inner city youth. Kavitha was awarded a Miraculous Medallion from Mother Teresa for her work with the Missionaries of Charity in orphanages and homes for the dying, and she has been an advisor for national and global causes including the World Children’s Initiative and Project Heart Uganda. Kavitha is also Executive Director of the Reddy Family Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities for the underserved through annual scholarship programs, educational grants and charitable initiatives.

Kavitha and her husband, Sunny, are the proud parents of Shay (7th grade, Brentwood School ‘26), Lia (6th grade) and Layla (4th grade).

 

Committees Served: Planning, Advancement, Health & Safety Taskforce