Can you tell us about your experience as a Healthcare Supply Chain professional? 

I have 15 years of experience in the healthcare sector, during which I have provided sourcing support for supplies and services during three pandemics. I also have experience managing a diverse sourcing portfolio, which ranges from basic medical surgical products to complex value-based procurement designed to support clinical outcomes. 

How has the healthcare supply chain evolved over the past decade, and what factors have influenced these changes? 
 

I’ve observed the evolution of healthcare supply chain from basic Contract AB tendering strategies to more flexible formats and negotiated RFPs. This transition has introduced innovative procurement and value-based outcome RFPs. There has been a shift from tactical buying towards viewing suppliers as partners, who play a crucial role in providing end-to-end supply chain products and services. 

What are the key challenges and opportunities facing healthcare supply chain professionals today? 
 

Challenges:  

1. Pandemic Preparedness: Ensuring readiness during pandemics by planning and managing supplies to support healthcare during these times within the supply chain and tendering process. 
2. Data Accuracy: Access to accurate data is crucial as it ensures the supply chain has the required products when needed. 
3. Supplier Partnerships: Building strategic supplier relationships to mitigate shortages and respond effectively to current market pressures such as inflation and demand uncertainty. 

  Opportunities: 

1. Sustainability: Integrating environmental considerations into the RFx process, including proper biomedical waste management, efficient energy use, recycling, and the use of more sustainable products. 
2. Innovation: Embracing disruptive technologies for improved healthcare outcomes. 
3. Potential new legislations such as the right to repair. 

Can you tell us about the new healthcare supply chain curriculum you developed with the SCMAO? 

I am excited to collaborate with SCMAO for the launch of the Healthcare Supply Chain & Procurement Certificate.  

Having contributed to the development of the curriculum, I think the content is highly relevant in the healthcare marketplace today and would recommend it to all in the healthcare supply chain space. The healthcare landscape has changed exponentially in the last three years, and this certificate is the perfect way to summarize those learnings and empower you with the expertise necessary to navigate the disruptive healthcare supply chain space, as well as prepare for the future. 

What topics and skills will the new healthcare supply chain curriculum cover, and how will it benefit aspiring supply chain professionals?  

While it refers to the broader learnings of healthcare supply chain and procurement, it also delves deeply into the competencies that future supply chain professionals should possess. These include expertise in data analytics, supplier relationship and risk management, Indigenous procurement, and more. 

This program offers valuable opportunities for skill development and knowledge enhancement, regardless of your tenure in the healthcare industry. It's an excellent way to both cultivate and refine your expertise. 

Learn more about the SCMAO’s new Healthcare Supply Chain and Procurement Certificate Program here: https://scmao.ca/healthcare-supply-chain-certificate