Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Clinically Integrated Supply Chain Transformation at Akron Children’s with Joseph Carr
Feb 15, 2026
Joseph Carr, VP of Supply Chain at Akron Children’s, leads clinically integrated supply chain and standardization to free clinician time and reduce costs. He discusses shifting clinical purchasing into supply chain, off-site distribution and inventory strategies, building a control tower and talent ladders, and balancing AI and automation with workforce wellbeing.
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Clinically Integrated Supply Chain Works
- Shifting supply decisions back to supply chain can restore clinician time and strategic oversight.
- Akron Children's standardized categories and reduced SKU complexity to drive rapid savings and higher compliance.
Standardize With Clinician Feedback
- Standardize product categories with clinical input to accelerate adoption and savings.
- Use product expos and lean projects to capture clinician feedback and introduce automation quickly.
Clinicians Embraced Change
- Clinicians at Akron Children's were highly receptive, not resistant, to integration efforts.
- Joseph Carr credits culture, executive support, and external partnerships for the expedited change.