Encore Episode: We talk with sterile processing expert Kim Jones about why central sterile is the hidden driver of operating room performance and patient safety. This conversation is still highly relevant as health systems continue to face OR efficiency and staffing challenges.

• how Kim transitioned from HR into sterile processing leadership and education
• how certification and education directly impact performance and team pride
• why small breakdowns in SPD drive major OR delays and disrupt surgical schedules
• where OR, sterile processing, and supply chain fall out of sync and how communication gaps create ripple effects
• how to build trust with surgeons through stronger partnerships and visible OR leadership support
• what audits at leading health systems reveal, including outdated assumptions about SPD performance
• why Lean efforts break down when point-of-use cleaning and tray completeness are inconsistent
• how traditional staffing models miss complexity and why volume alone is misleading
• where robotics and automation can improve safety, reduce injuries, and increase throughput
• how traveler pay gaps and post-pandemic dynamics are fueling ongoing retention challenges
• how to confidently make the case to the C-suite using both data and real operational constraints

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We sit down with Scott Becker of Becker’s Healthcare to talk about what his daily view of the industry reveals about closures, staffing gaps, and the real-world squeeze on access to care. We also dig into why great events and clear writing still matter, then hear how Scott approaches building businesses through momentum, setbacks, and scaling.
• rural and community hospital closures and the downstream impact on access
• how Becker’s Healthcare curates short-form healthcare business news for busy leaders
• why conferences work when they prioritize peers, learning, and networking
• the growing shortage of specialists across the country and what it means for patients
• healthcare costs, healthcare inflation, and the rise of tiered care including concierge medicine
• prevention as a priority but not a substitute for doctors and nurses
• Scott’s new book Building Great Businesses and the craft of writing in your own voice
Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button and connect with us online so you’ll never miss an episode and can catch up on all the ones you might have missed.
Got a topic you’re fired up about, or maybe you want to be a guest on the show? Fred would love to hear from you. Just reach out at fcrans@stonge.com.

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We talk with David Kirshner about why healthcare CFOs are facing extreme margin pressure and why supply chain has become a strategic tool for survival. We map out how to find savings beyond clinical supplies by using better data, tighter contracting, and real cross-department partnerships.
• health systems moving from thriving to barely surviving as margins compress
• why CFO sponsorship matters when expanding supply chain influence
• defining non-clinical and indirect procurement across IT, facilities, energy, marketing, corporate services, and legal
• using accounts payable and spend analytics to uncover vendor sprawl and contract gaps
• the “$1 saved equals $20 revenue” logic and why expense work wins fast
• raising expectations with vendors through competitive sourcing and respectful collaboration
• using a supply chain maturity model to move from good to great
• mentoring the next generation of data-driven supply chain leaders
Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and connect with us online so you'll never miss an episode and can catch up on all the ones you might have missed.
Got a topic you're fired up about, or maybe you want to be a guest on the show? Fred would love to hear from you. Just reach out at fcrans@stonge.com

Send us Fan Mail