
Taking The Supply Chain Pulse
St. Onge Company
St. Onge’s Healthcare Hall of Famer and industry icon, Fred Crans, chats with leaders from all areas of healthcare to discuss the issues of today's- threats, challenges and emerging trends and technologies in a lighthearted and engaging manner.
ENGINEERING A BETTER HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
We provide comprehensive planning and design services to develop world-class facilities and highly effective support services operations. Our capabilities in hospital supply chain consulting include applied industrial engineering, lean methodologies, systems thinking, and operations research to enable improved patient care and staff satisfaction. We are proud to have worked with over 100 hospitals, including 18 of the top 22 in the US, utilizing diverse design strategies, post-construction implementation, and change management.
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Top 10 Taking The Supply Chain Pulse Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Taking The Supply Chain Pulse episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Taking The Supply Chain Pulse for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Taking The Supply Chain Pulse episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Celebrating Emerging Leaders in Healthcare Supply Chain Management
Taking The Supply Chain Pulse
08/01/24 • 32 min
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.

Strategic Sourcing and Innovation in Healthcare Supply Chains
Taking The Supply Chain Pulse
02/20/25 • 16 min
This episode explores the integration of people, processes, and technology within the healthcare supply chain, with insights from George Godfrey of Baptist Health of South Florida. A proactive approach to staffing, financial pressures, and technology adoption reveals how healthcare organizations can enhance efficiency and patient care.
• Staff shortages impacting recruitment and retention
• Financial pressures leading to strategic sourcing and cost management
• Technology integration addressing supply chain disruptions
• Contingency planning for natural disasters and manufacturing consolidation
• Automation and CRM systems improving invoice matching and resource management

Season 2 Kickoff--Fred Crans Reflects on Six Decades of Change
Taking The Supply Chain Pulse
11/14/24 • 26 min
What happens when a would be history teacher's aspirations take an unexpected turn, leading him into the heart of the supply chain industry? Discover the journey of Fred Crans, a former Navy hospital corpsman during the Vietnam War, whose career insights have shaped the field over six decades. Fred sits down with guest interviewer Tom Redding to share his reflections on the evolution of supply chain leadership, contrasting his experiential learning with the formal education of today's industry leaders. His story is a testament to the timeless nature of essential leadership skills, even as the landscape around them continues to shift.
As we embark on the second season of "Taking the Supply Chain Pulse," we're excited to highlight the show's growth under the guidance of Lindsay McCullough. This season promises to explore how advancements in robotics are transforming day-to-day operations, why an optimized supply chain is critical in healthcare delivery, and how innovations in pharmacy are not only improving patient outcomes but also redefining patient care. And of course, we’ll cover the crucial work of the Sterile Processing Department, which ensures the highest standards of hygiene and safety in every procedure.
With over 30 episodes already aired, we aim to continue inspiring and educating our growing community, featuring diverse voices from within the industry and beyond.
Join us as we explore the dynamic world of supply chains and invite our listeners to contribute their ideas for upcoming episodes.

Building Authentic Relationships in Healthcare Supply Chain: Insights from Brent Petty
Taking The Supply Chain Pulse
10/10/24 • 32 min
Discover the secrets behind successful relationship-building in the healthcare supply chain with insights from Brent Petty, a leading expert in the field. Brent shares his wisdom on the vital role of non-technical skills, such as people management and understanding diverse mindsets, that drive success in healthcare environments. Understand how engaging with physicians by stepping into their world can transform decision-making processes, especially in light of evolving employment models that have reshaped traditional practices.
Communication is key, and Brent highlights strategies inspired by successful sales representatives that help shift mindsets by tailoring data presentation to audience perspectives. Explore the transition from a supply chain focus to collaboration with facilities, engineering, and design professionals, who approach their work with the same dedication a doctor has towards a patient. This approach offers valuable insights into managing healthcare facilities, akin to maintaining a metaphorical "$1,000 car," revealing the complexities of navigating such environments.
As the landscape of healthcare supply chain leadership changes, so do the challenges. Time constraints, leadership transitions, and generational differences are all part of the evolving dynamics. Despite these shifts, the core competencies remain unchanged. Brent reflects on his return to hospital consulting, emphasizing authenticity and genuine relationships as the foundation for success. Tune in to learn how staying authentic and relatable can drive success and foster strong connections in this dynamic and ever-changing field.

Rand Ballard's Odyssey from Cattle Ranch to Supply Chain Summit
Taking The Supply Chain Pulse
05/09/24 • 26 min
From his roots on a cattle ranch to the pinnacle of healthcare supply chain innovation, Rand Ballard's story is a tribute to the tenacity and vision required to scale professional heights. As your host, Fred Crans, I had the privilege of exploring Rand's extraordinary journey, revealing how a West Point education in nuclear physics and nuclear engineering steered him towards a pivotal role in orchestrating the healthcare supply chain. Our dialogue meanders through the foundational days of MedAssets, where Rand, alongside John Bartis, faced the stark reality of entrepreneurship and the grit needed to transform a startup into a success story. His personal anecdotes, laden with the wisdom of experience, are sure to resonate with anyone who's stared down the barrel of professional adversity and dared to dream big.
In the second chapter of our conversation, we peel back the curtain on the Chief Customer Officer's role, a position that's morphed from mere logistics to a strategic cornerstone within today's C-suite. Rand shares his acumen on navigating the treacherous waters of non-labor spend, inflation, and fluctuating insurance rates. More than just a discourse on strategy, this episode is a masterclass in the art of mastering interpersonal skills, a testament to the enduring power of relationships and responsive communication in the healthcare sector. We wrap up this illuminating discussion with an acknowledgment of the unsung heroes in our industry, extending an open invitation to share their stories on this platform, fostering a community where every voice can be heard and celebrated. Join us for an episode that's not just an interview, but a heartfelt journey with one of the industry's most influential figures.

Part 2: Strategic sourcing and Innovation in Healthcare Supply Chains
Taking The Supply Chain Pulse
02/26/25 • 17 min

From Warehouses to Hospitals: Logistics Insights with Hue Roach- Part One
Taking The Supply Chain Pulse
10/31/24 • 31 min
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Hue Roach, a distinguished veteran in healthcare logistics, who unpacks his 45-year journey from a material handling warehouse to his influential role as a director at St. Onge. Together, we navigate the intricate world of healthcare logistics, covering everything from the management of medical supplies to the handling of linens and waste within hospitals. Hue's rich experiences and insights reveal the paramount importance of logistics in ensuring efficient hospital operations. This episode kicks off a compelling two-part exploration into the complexities of healthcare logistics, shedding light on the past, present, and future of supply chain systems in the industry.

Navigating Healthcare Supply Chain Success: Insights with Marisa Faribaugh
Taking The Supply Chain Pulse
11/21/24 • 37 min
Join us as we welcome Marisa Farabaugh, the Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer at Advent Health. Marisa's journey from studying industrial engineering at the University of Florida to leading supply chain operations at a major healthcare organization is inspiring. She shares her insights into navigating career shifts, the critical role of mentors, and the challenges of applying industrial engineering in the healthcare industry. Marisa's story is a testament to the power of mentorship and resilience, offering listeners a unique perspective on career development.

Ash Crowe's Insights on Overcoming Challenges in Healthcare Supply Chain Management
Taking The Supply Chain Pulse
06/06/24 • 31 min
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!

Richard Bagley on Building Future Supply Chain Leaders
Taking The Supply Chain Pulse
10/17/24 • 34 min
Discover the fascinating journey of Richard Bagley, VP of Supply Chain at UC Health, as he shares how his early experiences in the US Army laid the foundation for his influential role in healthcare supply chain management. Richard discusses the pivotal moment when a call from Brent Johnson opened the door to a new path, leading him to revolutionize strategies at major institutions like Intermountain Healthcare, Penn State, and UC Health.
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FAQ
How many episodes does Taking The Supply Chain Pulse have?
Taking The Supply Chain Pulse currently has 47 episodes available.
What topics does Taking The Supply Chain Pulse cover?
The podcast is about Management, Supply Chain, Podcasts, Business and Healthcare.
What is the most popular episode on Taking The Supply Chain Pulse?
The episode title 'Innovative Solutions in Hospital Supply Chain with Joni Rittler' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Taking The Supply Chain Pulse?
The average episode length on Taking The Supply Chain Pulse is 33 minutes.
How often are episodes of Taking The Supply Chain Pulse released?
Episodes of Taking The Supply Chain Pulse are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Taking The Supply Chain Pulse?
The first episode of Taking The Supply Chain Pulse was released on Mar 26, 2024.
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