Susan Salka

In the 20 years since Susan Salka joined AMN Healthcare Services Inc., the health care staffing company has worked to expand its services and diversify its work force. Salka said one of the most pivotal advances happened just this year: AMN’s acquisition of Texas-based Medfinders, entering AMN into the business of home health care services. The deal was valued at about $220 million.

“Medfinders represents just 6 percent of our revenue, but strategically it’s very important,” Salka said in a recent interview. “We’re thinking about how to transition patients out of the hospital for recovery, and not to readmit. We believe we can help connect those dots.”

AMN Healthcare Services Inc. (NYSE: AHS) is the largest health care staffing company in the nation, and one of the largest public companies in the San Diego region. It recruits and places health care professionals in temporary and permanent jobs, in settings including hospitals, clinics and government facilities.