Taking The Supply Chain Pulse

Could mentorship be the game-changer in your career? Join us as we dive into the lives of Ryan Burke and Rachel Anderson, two rising stars in the healthcare supply chain industry. Rachel, the Corporate Director of Supply Chain at Baptist Health, and Ryan, overseeing strategic sourcing in Rochester, share how their career paths were shaped by invaluable mentorship and networking opportunities. Hear about their active roles in ARM's Young Professionals Group (YPAC) and discover how initiatives like Mentor Match and Lunch with the Boss are bridging the gap for future leaders.
 
 

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How can we build a healthcare supply chain that is both cost-effective and resilient in the face of unexpected challenges? Join us as we sit down with Sean O'Neill, the head of St. Onge Healthcare Supply Chain Practice, who takes us through his journey from defense contracting to healthcare logistics. Sean opens up about the origins of our podcast and shares his vision for a collaborative community fueled by personal connections and industry insights. His narrative, from his beginnings in Delaware to his educational pursuits at Case Western, sets the stage for an episode rich with career and leadership insights.
 
 

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What happens when you blend decades of unmatched expertise with an unwavering commitment to revolutionizing healthcare supply chains? This episode, featuring Mark Van Sumeren, answers that question. A 2021 inductee into the Bellwether League's National Healthcare Supply Chain Hall of Fame, Mark shares his transformative 45-year journey, starting as a management engineer at the Detroit Medical Center and traveling through impactful roles at EY, Capgemini, and Owens & Minor. His invaluable insights into launching and advancing healthcare supply chain practices, along with his current role as a strategic advisor and board observer at Logisource, offer us a front-row seat to the intricacies of private equity-backed companies.
 
 We don't shy away from the tough topics either. Challenges in the healthcare supply chain, from financial discipline to organizational inertia, are dissected with honesty and a solutions-focused mindset. You'll hear about the importance of adopting practices from other industries to drive efficiency and innovation in healthcare. The conversation also navigates the evolving roles of GPOs and distributors, emphasizing the need for balance and specialization. As a cherry on top, we even touch on the careers of Michigan quarterbacks Brian Greasy and Tom Brady, offering a unique twist to our discussion. With Mark's wisdom steering us through, this episode is a must-listen for anyone dedicated to improving the healthcare supply chain landscape.

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Join us as Sharone Wang, a seasoned pharmacist with experience from CVS to inpatient hospitals, shares her journey and insights. With a strong foundation in biomedical engineering and a doctorate in pharmacy, Sharon discusses her transition to St Onge and her mission to optimize pharmacy systems and elevate patient experiences.
 
 We also unpack the revolutionary changes in the pharmacy supply chain landscape post-COVID. Discover how proactive measures and advanced inventory controls are tackling medication shortages and securing better pricing. Sharone dives into the exciting potential of RFID technology and AI in healthcare, from predictive forecasting to enhancing patient education. Don’t miss this episode filled with expert perspectives on the innovations transforming pharmacy operations and patient care.

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Join us for a conversation with Steve Kiewit, the Chief Commercial Officer at CCS Medical, as he takes us through his extraordinary journey in healthcare. From starting as a U S Navy Hospital Corpsman, and transitioning through various roles in pharmaceutical and medical sales, Steve's career path is inspiring. This episode is packed with valuable insights giving listeners a deep understanding of the healthcare supply chain from both the manufacturing and distribution perspectives. 

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What if the key to a more resilient and effective healthcare system lies in the experiences of a former computer engineering student from Western Pennsylvania? Join us as we chat with Eric Trich, the Senior Vice President of Supply Chain and Support Services and Chief Supply Chain Officer at the University of Chicago Medicine. Eric's journey from Michigan State University to leadership roles at Loyola University Medical Center and UChicago Medicine offers a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of the healthcare supply chain. Along the way, Eric discusses how his diverse background has informed his approach to solving complex challenges in an urban hospital setting.

From adapting best practices across industries to navigating the unprecedented pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic, Eric reveals how his team has remained resilient and innovative. Listen in as we explore his insights on managing high-quality care in underserved communities, tackling the financial hurdles of Medicare and Medicaid, and the competitive dynamics of staffing. Eric also sheds light on everyday operational challenges like patient transport and public safety, sharing lessons on fostering a people-centered design in healthcare. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of healthcare, leadership, and supply chain management.

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Discover the fascinating world of sterile processing with our special guest, Kim Jones, a nationally recognized expert who transitioned from human resources to revolutionizing the field of central sterile supply. Listen to Kim's captivating journey, where her role as a recruiter ignited a passion for sterile processing, leading her to become an SPD educator and manager. She shares her transformative experiences in team certification, operational leadership, and the creation of an offsite reprocessing center, underscoring the vital link between sterile processing and operating room efficiency.
 
 Explore the nuanced challenges within sterile processing departments, even in top-tier healthcare organizations, as Kim sheds light on inadequacies in compensation, education, and resources for SPD staff. We discuss the potential of robotics and AI in alleviating the physical strain on workers while highlighting the irreplaceable value of human expertise. Additionally, the episode tackles the increasing reliance on traveling sterile processing technicians post-pandemic and the systemic issues hindering the retention of essential workers. Join us in raising awareness of the pivotal yet often overlooked role of sterile processing in healthcare.

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Can supply chain operations really drive optimal health outcomes? That’s what we asked Karen Conway, a highly respected global supply chain executive and value-based healthcare strategist. Join us as she sheds light on her diverse career path, including her transition to her consultancy, Value Works. Karen passionately discusses the need to harmonize supply chain operations with value-based healthcare goals, aiming for improved health outcomes and underscoring the importance of collaboration and lifelong learning.
 
 We also delve into the innovative strategies employed by Rush University Medical Center to tackle workforce shortages and boost operational efficiency. By integrating technology and optimizing logistics, they've set a powerful example of how strategic supply chain management can pave the way for a more robust healthcare system. Our conversation dives deep into the significance of data standards, evidence-based decisions, and the broader value of supply chain operations beyond just cost-cutting. Finally, Karen emphasizes the crucial role of multi-stakeholder collaboration and resilient relationships, especially in times of crisis, sharing heartfelt stories that illustrate the indispensable human element in supply chain management. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the evolving landscape of healthcare supply chains.

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How can outdated equipment and fear of inadequacy impact healthcare supply chains? This week on Taking the Supply Chain Pulse, we sit down with Ash Crowe, a director in healthcare at St Onge, to unravel this complex issue. With a career journey that started as a grants administrator at NC State and led to key roles at Johns Hopkins, Duke University, and MUSC Florence, Ash brings a treasure trove of insights on healthcare supply chain management and process improvement.

Discover the crucial steps in understanding the current state of your equipment and processes before making any future design decisions. Ash emphasizes the value of frontline employee assessments and the iterative nature of modern design processes. We also delve into the importance of future flexibility and the pitfalls of leaning too heavily on new technology as a silver bullet. Her practical advice is invaluable for anyone looking to refine their approach to healthcare supply chain design and improvement.

Finally, we tackle how daily operational frustrations can be transformed into actionable data for positive change. Ash shares her experience on the significance of listening to frontline staff and leveraging professional networks for sustainable solutions. To cap it off, we have a fun, spirited discussion comparing college basketball legends Michael Jordan and Christian Laettner, complete with personal anecdotes that you won't want to miss. Tune in for an episode packed with expert advice, practical solutions, and a bit of sports nostalgia!

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Join us as Conrad Emmerich, the Chief Procurement Officer at Advocate Health, as he takes us through his journey from rural Minnesota to leading a $33 billion healthcare supply chain. In this episode, Conrad reflects on his upbringing, the influence of his father’s work ethic, and his academic and early professional experiences. 

Learn how Emmerich has had to navigate the intricacies of supply chain management in a geographically diverse healthcare system. We discuss the critical balance between centralized functions and regional flexibility, and how Advocate Health transitions smoothly to systems like Workday ERP. Conrad shares his strategic approach to ensuring effective logistics and service delivery across multiple states, shedding light on the complex yet fascinating world of large-scale healthcare supply chains.
 
 Leadership and talent are at the heart of successful supply chain management, and Emmerich illuminates this with compelling examples from his team. Learn why securing senior leadership support is vital and how credibility, transparency, and diversity contribute to exceptional outcomes. Conrad emphasizes the importance of nurturing talent and continuous development, highlighting remarkable individuals like Marisa Faribault, Dennis Mullins, Bill Brewer, and Allison Titt. Conclude with a heartfelt note on the value of collaboration, leaving you inspired by the potential of a well-managed supply chain.

Finally, learn which quarterback Conrad thinks is the G.O.A.T..

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