Modern Day Supply Chain Issues in the Medical Field by Brooke

Modern Day Supply Chain Issues in the Medical Field by Brooke - April 2025 Scholarship Essay

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the global health supply chain weaknesses. Shortages of medical masks, test kits, personal protective equipment (PPE), and ventilators severely impacted the initial response in most countries resulting in deaths. A pandemic or other public health emergency can severely strain medical resources at different levels—locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally—when the demand for health care services increases dramatically. Health care workers can’t deliver appropriate care to patients without necessary supplies. The supply chain of getting these produces produced, sourced, distributed and to the end customer is critical. Any mishaps along the way can lead to tragic consequences.

This is one of the issues that made me interested in studying supply chain management in college especially as it relates to the medical industry. Being able to identify these complex issues and use advanced technology to help automate and innovate for operational efficiency with patient care in our healthcare system is something I would like to help solve. There are numerous opportunities within the industry and a large supply chain of various levels to be a part of within a variety of companies.

Getting equipment, devices, raw materials and any number of medical equipment to end users whether they be doctors, hospitals, clinic, etc. is critical in providing excellent patient care.