Director supply chain, Tucson Medical Center
Please tell us about a key mentor or event in your life.
Kim Moon: I have been fortunate to work at an organization that is led by powerful and inspiring women, including Board of Trustee Chairwoman Louise Francesconi, Chief Executive Officer Judy Rich, Chief Operating Officer Mimi Coomler and Chief Nursing Officer Joy Upshaw. These leaders exhibit our organizational values with every interaction setting the bar to its highest degree in expectations and leadership performance. I have personally gleaned invaluable leadership skill from their core beliefs in providing excellence in patient care to our community; we strive to be the strength of our staff, the wisdom of our experience and the compassion that every patient, every time deserves.
What did you learn about yourself and/or your supply chain team amid the COVID-19 pandemic?
Moon: I learned that everything was different. The model the industry has promoted for a well-run department of “Just-in-Time” inventory was ultimately our largest failure and the greatest risk. In a world of disposable simplicity we have created a liability not only for the hospital staff but for patients and our community. We must re-evaluate how we do business and ensure that the needs and requirements of a pandemic are incorporated into our planning. I personally value and look forward to collaborating with industry peers as the co-chair of the West Coast Purchasing Coalition to drive new and innovative models for emergency planning. It was also the most rewarding time of my career as supply chain has been front and center in every piece of the pandemic; it truly brought a new level of respect and accountability to the team. My team members felt honored and proud of being such an integral part of the care we provide to our community, and the safety and protection of every staff member.
What are key characteristics that a supply chain leader of the future will need to be successful?
Moon: Now more than ever, we have to be open to learning new ways of doing business through continued education, networking and peer groups. We must learn from our past successes and failures. In order for healthcare facilities to meet the many challenges a pandemic creates, we need to partner with our suppliers, our physicians and our patients on improved innovative ways of delivering healthcare. It is critical that supply chain has a voice in advancing the pathways of providing a safe patient care experience.