35 things to know before starting a healthcare supply chain career

Seven Future Famers share key things to know and tips to influence and motivate people to join the healthcare supply chain.

Bellwether League Foundation recognizes Future Famers as leading healthcare supply chain professionals in the early stages of their careers (first 12 years) that have contributed meaningfully as well as significantly to the profession and industry. They also have demonstrated they progress on a pathway toward Hall of Fame recognition.

• Healthcare supply chain influence has expanded beyond prior scope of control as systems recognize core expertise that can benefit an organization "beyond the box."
• Healthcare is moving far beyond the walls of the hospitals or clinics where care had traditionally been delivered — expanding into patient homes and via mobile devices — requiring supply chain services to think differently about how they deliver upon these new needs.
• Healthcare supply chain professionals have the attention of government — supply chain industry leaders collaborate and advocate for the needs of the industry.
• The supply chain industry is undergoing rapid transformation — the work of today will look very different in several years!
• The healthcare supply chain "career ladder" may look like a "chutes and ladders" board to gain broad expertise within the industry, crossing traditional functional pillars to build upon foundational skillsets. Don't hesitate to venture outside the traditional ladder to broaden your impact!

Kate Polczynski, MBA, CMRP, Future Famers Class of 2016, Vice President, Enterprise Supply Chain, Geisinger, Danville, PA

• Information (i.e., data properly arrayed) gets you into the conversation, but it will not win the argument for you. In healthcare there are many stakeholders with different interests and perspectives.
• Even with the advancement of technologies and practices, meaningful change in healthcare takes at least five years because almost any change in healthcare is about people and culture. Even if this timeline isn't exactly right, it's helpful to have this in mind so you're less frustrated when there appears to be a lack of progress. Controversial statement: If you want to have a meaningful impact at any organization,
• you need to be there for at least two contract cycles, which usually means about six
• years. Don't be so quick to chase the next big raise.
• Don't sacrifice relationships for progress on the "now" project. How you do things is just
• as important as what you do.
• You had better really love it because most of the time it's difficult! This is a very hard
• profession where progress can't usually be measured day-to-day or even quarter-to-
• quarter. You must have a long-term view and care deeply about the impact of the work.
• If you're on the provider side of the table, always remember that the suppliers have
• different interests than you do at the end of the day. There's nothing wrong with it, but it is a fact. Good deals and true "win-win" scenarios will not come to those naïve about this reality.

Nate Mickish, Future Famers Class of 2015, Vice President, Strategic Sourcing, Texas Health Resources, and President, OnHand

• Respect the history: Recognize that everything in the industry has been attempted before, whether it succeeded, failed, evolved or was put on hold. Even new processes are often built upon previous experiences. By understanding the history, you can benefit from the lessons learned and avoid repeating past mistakes. Respecting the industry's history is vital for building a successful future.
• Embrace a servant's heart: Working in the healthcare supply chain requires a mindset of service. Your job description may not always align with the tasks that need to be done on a daily basis. Being willing to go above and beyond and serve others in the organization is crucial. If you enjoy making a difference and embracing change, this career path can be fulfilling. However, if you resist change and prefer strictly defined roles, this may not be the right fit for you.
• Master advanced Excel skills: Excel remains a fundamental tool for basic analytics in the healthcare supply chain. Beyond pivot tables, it is essential to learn advanced functions, data analysis techniques, and how to use macros. These skills will enable you to effectively analyze data, identify opportunities and make informed decisions.
• Explore diverse experiences: The healthcare supply chain offers a wide range of opportunities and roles. You can work within inventory and storage, distribution warehouses, different departments within a hospital, or in roles as a business partner, manufacturer, distributor, or supply partner. Alternatively, you can explore careers in courier services, consulting, purchasing groups, or service providers. Understanding the variety of experiences available will help you find your niche within the healthcare supply chain.
• Stay informed about the industry: To thrive in the healthcare supply chain, it's important to stay up-to-date with industry news and trends. Familiarize yourself with publications such as Modern Healthcare and Becker's Hospital Review. Additionally, engage with industry associations and organizations like the Health Industry Distributors Association (HIDA), Healthcare Industry Resource Center (HIRC), and Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS). Understanding the goals, mission, and values of healthcare providers will also provide valuable insights into their supply chain needs.

Jessica Hurd, Future Famers Class of 2019, Senior Director, Spend Management, Vizient Inc., Irving, TX

• Understanding of Healthcare Operations: Familiarize yourself with the unique challenges and requirements of the healthcare industry, including regulatory compliance, patient safety concerns and the need for timely and efficient supply chain management within healthcare settings.
• Supply Chain Knowledge: Develop a solid understanding of supply chain fundamentals, including procurement, logistics, inventory management and distribution as these concepts are essential for success in healthcare supply chain roles.
• Technology Proficiency: Embrace technology and stay updated on supply chain management systems, data analytics tools and emerging technologies that can streamline processes and enhance efficiency in healthcare supply chain operations.
• Collaboration Skills: Effective communication and collaboration are essential in healthcare supply chain roles, as you will be working closely with various stakeholders, including healthcare providers, vendors, and internal departments, to ensure seamless supply chain operations.
• Continuous Learning: The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, so staying informed about industry trends, best practices and regulatory changes is crucial for success in healthcare supply chain careers. Embrace a mindset of continuous learning and professional development to stay ahead in this dynamic field.

Chico Manning, MHA, Future Famers Class of 2024, System Vice President, Enterprise Supply Chain, PIH Health, Whittier, CA

• Healthcare is unique as it is not just about getting the right product to the right place on time, but you know by doing so you are helping a patient and their family.
• Healthcare supply chain is behind many other sectors when it comes to data and technology. This is changing as organizations invest for the future and provides a unique opportunity to be part of that change.
• Supply chain is a department of all education levels, which allows for personal career growth and the ability to move around to learn different skills.
• Healthcare is complex; there are few instances where a transaction is only between two parties, most transactions involve some sort of third party and potentially more. Learning the intricacies of these relationships can take time.
• Every organization operates differently, supply chain may have different responsibilities depending on the organization. Although we have seen more consolidation there remain many independent community hospitals where supply chain personnel cannot specialize in a particular area of supply chain but must provide more end-to-end support daily. The larger the organization, the more specialized the day-to-day work becomes.

Corey Schmidt, CMRP, MBA, Future Famers Class of 2024, Assistant Director, SHS Operations & Spend Management Integration, The University of Kansas Health System, Kansas City, KS

• You will make a difference in people's lives every single day.
• The decisions you make, or that will be made, have an impact on people's lives.
• Working in healthcare supply chain, you must be agile and have the ability to pivot, constantly.
• Supply Chain embodies tactical, operational and strategic concepts. Some days may require one more than the other.
• Practice grace alongside others.

Angie Bruns, MHA, Future Famers Class of 2024, Senior Director, Spend Management and Administration, The University of Kansas Health System, Kansas City, KS

• Technology is rapidly augmenting the end-to-end supply chain.
• Supply Chain's role within healthcare is growing and flexing.
• We need futurists that are willing to challenge the status quo.
• Upward mobility is guaranteed if you're willing to work for it.
• There's no better time than now to join our mission!

Rachel Anderson, Future Famers Class of 2023, Vice President, Supply Chain, DCH Health, Tuscaloosa, AL