Ovation Healthcare will be hosting its 2nd annual Women’s Conference in August in Nashville, Tennessee. In anticipation of the event, Elevate Supply and Expense Management Solutions is thrilled to present a series of interviews spotlighting Women in Supply Chain. These exceptional women lead hospital supply chains across the country, bringing invaluable expertise and insights to their roles. Through these interviews, led by our very own, Hailey Meadows, Vice President of Elevate, we aim to highlight their experiences, challenges, and successes, offering our audience a deeper understanding of their pivotal contributions to healthcare operations. This initiative celebrates their achievements and provides a platform for them to share their knowledge, fostering a community of learning and empowerment within the healthcare industry.
“We are so excited to highlight a few of the many exceptional women that our Elevate team gets to work with on a day-to-day basis. They care deeply for the hospitals, colleagues, patients, and communities that they serve, and it shows. We are honored to share their unique perspectives and insights into how they navigate the ever-changing healthcare landscape. Their dedication and passion are truly inspiring!” – Hailey Meadows, Vice President Elevate
Meet our impressive interviewees:
Darlene Burk – Director, Materials Management
Mena Regional Health System in Mena, Arkansas
Darlene is a seasoned materials manager with an impressive career spanning over 44 years in healthcare supply chain. Darlene excels in supply chain management, asset management, cost and financial accountability, and contract management. Her extensive experience and leadership are instrumental in optimizing operational efficiency and ensuring quality standards in materials management practices at Mena Regional Health System.
Danielle Murphy – Materials Manager
River’s Edge Hospital in St Peter, Minnesota
Danielle Murphy is an accomplished Healthcare Supply Chain specialist with over 5 years in the lead purchaser role and over 10+ years’ experience in surgical services. Currently serving as Materials Manager at River’s Edge Hospital, Danie specializes in supply chain management, inventory control, cost savings, case costing, surgical special needs, and GPO compliance. She emphasizes the importance of communication from all levels of the hospital to ensure success for the organization. One of her goals is to provide frontline staff the tools needed to provide safe and quality care while minimizing supply costs and waste.
Courtney Reynolds – Director, Supply Chain and Contracting
Adirondack Health in Saranac Lake, New York
Courtney is an accomplished supply chain professional with over 10 years of experience in the field. In her current role at Adirondack Health, Courtney specializes in facility-wide procurement, supply chain optimization, logistics, cost reduction, value analysis, inventory management, capital budget planning, contract optimization, negotiation, and compliance. Her strategic leadership and comprehensive understanding of supply chain dynamics have consistently driven operational efficiency and cost savings.
Detra Weaver – Supply Chain Manager
Hammond-Henry Hospital in Geneseo, Illinois
Detra is an experienced healthcare supply chain manager with a proven track record in optimizing operations to enhance patient care. Currently, she serves as a pivotal member of Hammond-Henry Hospital, a critical access facility committed to delivering evidence-based healthcare solutions to local communities. Detra’s strategic leadership and commitment to operational excellence continue to drive impactful improvements in healthcare delivery.
Elevate: How did you get your start in supply chain and how long have you been in the field?
Darlene: I started my journey in supply chain 44 years ago right here at Mena Regional in Mena, Arkansas, where I’ve lived my entire life, just a short drive from the hospital. It all began in October 1980 when I started as a storeroom clerk, juggling multiple roles and filling in where needed – dictation, pharmacy, billing. It was a great way to learn hospital operations by experiencing different departments and different challenges over the years. Ten years later, in July of 1990, I was honored to step into the role of department director. It has been challenging at times, managing with limited resources, but I always found ways to make it work, pulling in help from other departments when necessary.
Danielle: My career started in patient care at a surgical center, where I worked closely with surgical technicians who handled orders and special needs. My path here wasn’t straightforward—I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do during college and ended up earning a bachelor’s degree in public health. When an opportunity opened in supplies, I seized it. About two years ago, I began my journey at River’s Edge, starting initially in the surgery center before moving through scheduling, the surgery office, and sterile processing, eventually finding my niche in supply chain management. Having diverse experiences across various roles enabled me to really learn the hospital and the healthcare industry in general.
Courtney: I’ve been immersed in the healthcare industry for 15 years now, with the last decade dedicated to supply chain management. My journey began with a strong familial influence—my mother served as a chief nursing officer and a prominent female leader within a hospital, inspiring me to follow in her footsteps. Initially, I focused on quality work in the laboratory, but when an opportunity arose in supply chain, I jumped on it. I’ve spent the last five years at Adirondack, drawn by their proactive recruitment efforts and the challenges presented by evolving healthcare networks. I commute an hour each day to Adirondack, a reflection of my commitment to making a meaningful impact and overcoming logistical hurdles to achieve my professional goals.
Detra: My journey in healthcare, and more specifically within supply chain, has been deeply rooted in Texas, where I’ve had the privilege of working across various facilities that have shaped my career. It almost feels like supply chain chose me, especially given my initial exposure in the peri-operative environment at Memorial Hermann Hospital. Working closely with clinicians in such a dynamic atmosphere sparked my passion for this field.
Elevate: Have you encountered any unique challenges or barriers as a woman working in the supply chain industry?
Darlene: Throughout my career in the supply chain industry, I haven’t encountered what I would describe as gender-specific challenges. However, there have been instances where I’ve needed to assert myself and demonstrate my capabilities confidently in certain situations. I feel fortunate that the hospital has placed faith in my ability to effectively manage the department and contribute to its success. This trust has empowered me to take on challenges and make impactful decisions without gender biases affecting my opportunities. Overall, while every career path has its obstacles, I’ve navigated mine with determination and resilience, focusing on achieving results and fostering a positive work environment.
Danielle: In my experience, I haven’t encountered any unique challenges or barriers specifically as a woman in the supply chain industry. I focus on delivering results and maintaining effective communication, which are essential in navigating the complexities of supply chain management. I’ve found that dedication, perseverance, and a strong work ethic transcend any potential gender-related challenges, allowing me to thrive in my role and contribute meaningfully to our organization’s success.
Courtney: Moreso than gender-specific challenges, I’ve been faced with questions about my age in professional settings, which can sometimes feel intrusive and irrelevant to my qualifications and capabilities. There’s occasionally an assumption that younger professionals may be less experienced, which I firmly believe is not always the case. Competence and skill should always be the benchmarks, regardless of age or gender.
Detra: In my role within the supply chain industry, I’ve encountered some unique challenges, particularly concerning vendor relationships and customer support disparities. When I encounter someone doing exceptional work within our industry, whether it’s a colleague or a vendor, I make it a point to champion their efforts, regardless of gender. Recognizing and promoting excellence is essential for fostering a supportive and collaborative environment in supply chain management.
Elevate: What is one key driver that keeps you motivated?
Darlene: My genuine passion is for the work I get to do within the healthcare field. I truly enjoy what I do—I thrive on the research aspect, especially when it comes to exploring and evaluating new products and solutions for our hospital’s needs. The challenges inherent in supply chain management also fuel my motivation. Just as in life, different seasons bring unique challenges to our hospital and its departments.
Danielle: Professionally, I find immense satisfaction and motivation in showing measurable results from my work, especially in terms of cost savings and efficiency improvements. Knowing that these savings directly contribute to enhancing patient care and supporting our organization’s mission adds even more meaning to what I do.
Personally, balancing a demanding career with family life is a constant juggle. I’m away from home often, but I’ve learned to show my family that this balance is not only acceptable but also something to be proud of. It’s about demonstrating that dedication to a meaningful career can coexist harmoniously with family commitments.
Courtney: The profound impact I have on patient care, despite not being directly patient-facing. While I may not interact with patients in person, I understand the critical role supply chain plays in ensuring that every patient receives the best possible care. It’s a responsibility that motivates me to constantly seek ways to cut costs without compromising quality, because I know that every decision I make affects the patient experience.
Detra: Ultimately, my motivation stems from a genuine desire to serve and make a positive impact in the lives of others. I see myself as a steward of care for every person who enters Hammond Henry Hospital. Knowing that I play a pivotal role in ensuring that each patient receives the necessary supplies and resources they need for their care is incredibly fulfilling. As long as I feel this sense of purpose and passion, I will continue to give my best to ensure that Hammond Henry Hospital remains a place where patient care and well-being are paramount.
Elevate: What are your thoughts on the future of healthcare? What will we see in the next 5 years?
Darlene: Looking ahead to the future of healthcare, I believe there are significant opportunities and challenges on the horizon, especially for independent hospitals like Mena Regional. While many rural hospitals are being acquired, our ability to maintain independence speaks volumes about the dedication of our team and the support we receive from our community. Employees here treat Mena as if it’s their own, fostering a culture of ownership and pride that is invaluable in ensuring our continued success.
In the next five years, I anticipate a continued shift towards more integrated and patient-centered care models. Technology will play a crucial role in enhancing efficiency and improving patient outcomes. Telemedicine, remote monitoring, and digital health tools will likely become more prevalent, allowing us to extend our reach and provide specialized care to rural populations.
Danielle: With the dynamics of an election year and the evolving landscape of technology, I anticipate significant changes and challenges ahead. There’s no doubt that technology and AI will continue to play increasingly prominent roles in healthcare delivery. While this advancement is exciting, it also brings a level of uncertainty and complexity. I believe firmly that technology should augment, not replace, the critical role of human caregivers in providing compassionate and personalized care.
Courtney: I see both challenges and opportunities, particularly in supply chain management and operational efficiency, on the horizon. Financial constraints are a reality across health systems, necessitating careful forecasting and strategic decision-making in procurement. Efforts to save costs without compromising quality will remain paramount. When evaluating new products or suppliers, considerations such as their location, secondary manufacturing capabilities, and the logistics of supply delivery (whether by boat, plane, or train) will be crucial. It’s essential to strike a balance between cost savings and maintaining high standards of patient care.
Detra: Looking ahead to the future of healthcare, especially for Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) like ours, I see a landscape that requires both innovation and tailored solutions to meet our unique challenges. One of the significant hurdles we face is the disparity in ordering volumes compared to larger acute care facilities. Distributors often struggle to accommodate our smaller quantities of supplies efficiently. I believe that CAHs will continue to evolve by leveraging technology and forging stronger partnerships with distributors and technology providers. By staying agile, innovative, and focused on delivering high-quality care despite our unique challenges, I am optimistic about the future of healthcare at our CAH and beyond.
Elevate: What advice would you give to younger women intimidated by the male-dominated supply chain field?
Darlene: My advice would be to stay rooted in integrity, diligence, and preparedness. It’s crucial to uphold your word and follow through on commitments consistently. In my experience, demonstrating integrity not only earns respect but also establishes trust among peers and colleagues.In a male-dominated industry, it’s essential to assert yourself confidently while remaining open to learning and collaboration. Your voice and perspective are valuable, and by staying committed to excellence and continuous improvement, you can thrive in this dynamic field. Remember, your dedication and competence speak volumes, regardless of gender.
Danielle: I would offer several pieces of advice based on my own journey and growth in this industry. Firstly, confidence is key. Looking back at my own experience, I’ve learned that believing in yourself and your abilities is essential. It’s normal to feel intimidated at first, but you have to remember that you bring valuable insights and skills to the table. Secondly, learning continuously and from diverse sources is crucial. Embrace learning from those around you and trust in their expertise—it can make a significant difference in your growth and confidence. And lastly, giving yourself permission to advance is important. Don’t hold back from seeking new challenges or opportunities for career progression. It’s also essential to periodically evaluate your career path and check in with yourself when you feel you might be plateauing. This self-awareness allows you to make informed decisions about your professional development.
Courtney: I would encourage young women to embrace their ability to make decisions confidently and take calculated risks. Throughout my career, I’ve observed that women often approach challenges with a proactive mindset, making decisions and learning from both successes and failures. It’s okay to try something new and if it doesn’t work out as planned, it’s a valuable learning experience that contributes to personal growth and professional development. By staying proactive, resilient, and focused on making meaningful contributions, they can thrive in the dynamic world of supply chain management.
Detra: I would emphasize the importance of integrity as a cornerstone of success. Throughout my career, I’ve learned that honesty and transparency are non-negotiable. Building trust with stakeholders begins with integrity—never compromise your credibility by presenting anything less than the truth. It’s a principle that has served me well and has been instrumental in establishing strong relationships throughout my professional journey. Stay committed to learning and growth, and you’ll find that the supply chain field offers endless opportunities for personal and professional fulfillment.
Elevate Supply and Expense Management Solutions has been privileged to hear from these remarkable women who navigate the complexities of hospital supply chains with grace and expertise. Their stories of perseverance, innovation, and leadership have illuminated the vital role they play in healthcare operations nationwide. By sharing their journeys, challenges, and triumphs, we hope to inspire and empower others in the healthcare community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to each interviewee for their candid insights and invaluable contributions to advancing healthcare delivery. Together, we continue to champion diversity, excellence, and collaboration in the field of healthcare supply chain management.
