Last month, along with the CHAMPS GPO team, I attended the 2024 Capstone Forum — a three-day event designed to bring together supply chain experts, suppliers and Capstone members for networking, sharing actionable best practices, and increasing collaboration.

While this was my first year in attendance, it was especially memorable because I was able to leave the Forum as a graduate of the Capstone Leadership Institute (CLI).

What is the Capstone Leadership Institute?

The CLI program is a distinguished educational platform crafted to empower and cultivate the next generation of supply chain leaders. I was privileged to participate in this year's program, where I engaged in insightful, high-caliber courses that not only broadened my expertise in group purchasing but also honed my leadership capabilities.

CLI offers more than 20 courses and provides a deep dive into “all things supply chain,” with related courses in hospital operations, professional development, and leadership. For this year’s graduates, courses began in January and culminated in a final project in September.

Each CLI class offered students the opportunity to gain experience from some of the foremost experts in the healthcare supply chain industry. Every session was rich with valuable insights, equipping me with knowledge that enhanced my leadership acumen. Dr. Li Ern Chen’s class centered on the critical intersection between patient experience and the supply chain, and the pivotal role the supply chain has in care delivery. This was undoubtedly my most impactful class, delivering insights that will resonate with me for years to come.

All the CLI classes were presented virtually and were skillfully led by a subject matter authority. Their level of experience provided a unique opportunity for students to learn from seasoned professionals capable of conveying valuable knowledge from actual real-world experiences.

How Does CLI Strengthen Our GPO and Serve Our Members?

Graduating from the CLI program has significantly enhanced my capabilities as a national account manager and deepened my understanding of supply chain in ways that I had not fully leveraged prior to my participation.

Engaging with experienced instructors and industry experts has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to provide exceptional service to CHAMPS' members and vendors. The new insights I’ve gained enable me to take a more proactive approach, offering members a comprehensive view of what their membership entails. This includes a clearer understanding of potential savings opportunities and the ability to quickly identify relevant contract categories that may have previously been overlooked.

Ultimately, my goal is for both members and suppliers to feel assured that CHAMPS GPO's account managers are committed to their success. Our team actively seeks growth opportunities, ensuring that all parties are well-equipped to meet their organizational goals. Each course in the program broadened my perspective on the healthcare supply chain, empowering me to collaborate more effectively with both CHAMPS' members and vendors.

CLI is a valuable investment for any healthcare supply chain professional seeking to learn from industry leaders. The program’s comprehensive curriculum has provided me with a deeper, more strategic understanding of healthcare supply chains, enabling me to better serve both CHAMPS' members and vendors.

How Do You Become a Capstone Graduate?

All applicants to the program must first complete 10 modules on the Capstone Learning Academy to qualify for the Capstone Leadership Institute. The prerequisites included classes on reimbursement, purchasing, inventory, and sourcing capital equipment, among others.

Students are asked to apply their learnings to professional experience. My project examined consolidation of vendors and pricing parity with a focus on the impact of SmartPO — a procurement platform offered by MedProcure and Premier. SmartPO is a one-stop procurement and inventory management solution specifically designed to help continuum-of-care providers.

What Are My Reflections on My Experience?

Attending CLI this past year has allowed me to fully grasp new concepts within the healthcare supply chain landscape, which I have been able to directly apply in my role as a national account manager. Reflecting on these classes, I realize how I am now better equipped to share best practices and provide enhanced support to both GPO members and my colleagues.

As one of the 21 graduates of the 2024 CLI program, I can honestly say this was a worthwhile experience and allowed me to grow tremendously as a professional. Being able to collaborate with classmates and instructors has instilled in me a passion to empower myself with new goals that will allow me to reach my maximum potential. This new perspective will certainly inspire me to obtain a level of member satisfaction that I had not previously considered possible.

Looking to the future, as I continue to collaborate with GPO members and their supplier partners, the CLI program will be a valuable pool of information that I can turn to when navigating supply chain challenges. If you’re working in the healthcare supply chain, Capstone CLI is a truly great opportunity to learn from industry experts and engage in productive dialogue with individuals working in procurement in hospital systems.

You can learn more about the Capstone Leadership Institute’s education platform by visiting the Capstone Forum website and browsing the 2024 course syllabus.