Sunji Salazar: Physician Relationship Manager at Surgery Partners

Bloom Magazine loves to shine the spotlight on people in our industry who go above and beyond. In this People to Know feature, we’re highlighting Sunji Salazar, a seasoned Physician Relationship Manager at Surgery Partners, whose work behind the scenes is making a real impact in healthcare. With more than two decades of experience, she has built a career around strengthening connections between surgeons, surgical centers, and healthcare providers, ensuring that the system runs as smoothly as possible for both doctors and patients.

Sunji’s role is all about relationships. She helps surgeons expand their referral networks, optimizes surgical scheduling, and makes sure operating rooms are being used efficiently. But for her, it’s never just about logistics. It’s about making sure patients get the care they need without unnecessary delays.

“I always remind myself that every connection I help build and every process I improve leads back to a patient,” she shares. “If a surgeon is struggling to get OR time or a practice doesn’t have a strong referral network, that’s affecting real people. My job is to remove those barriers so that everything moves forward.”

Her journey into healthcare wasn’t something she planned, but once she got involved in business development, workers’ compensation coordination, and medical marketing, she realized just how much of a difference she could make. Over the years, she has worked with ambulatory surgical centers, medical equipment providers, orthopedic practices, and insurance companies, gaining a deep understanding of the industry from multiple perspectives. That knowledge has been invaluable in her current role, where she ensures that healthcare providers and facilities work together seamlessly.

“I’ve always believed that strong relationships are the key to a better healthcare system,” Sunji says. “When doctors, case managers, and insurers are all on the same page, everything runs smoother, and patients get the care they need without delays.” That ability to bring people together has made her a respected leader in her field, and she takes pride in the impact she has on making healthcare operations more efficient and effective.

Outside of work, Sunji is just as dedicated to creating balance in her life. A soccer mom, an avid reader, and someone who loves dancing, exercising, meditating, and spending time at the beach, she believes that taking care of herself is just as important as taking care of others. “I love what I do, but I also make sure to recharge so I can keep showing up for the people who count on me,” she says.

As healthcare continues to evolve, Sunji remains committed to helping providers adapt, strengthening connections, and improving the way surgical centers operate. For her, it all comes down to ensuring that the right people are connected and that the system works better for everyone involved. “At the end of the day, it’s all about making things easier for the doctors so they can focus on their patients,” she says. “If I can help make that happen, then I know I’m doing something meaningful.”

With her experience, passion, and dedication, Sunji Salazar is exactly the kind of person who keeps healthcare moving forward.