Leading a supplier transition through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic

Lori Lee, senior vice president of clinical operations at Yale New Haven Health System (YNHHS), a leader with experience in developing and implementing systemwide efficiencies, took the helm of Yale New Haven Health's supply chain, and began a distributor transition her second year at the helm initiated a distributor transition during her second year at the helm of the health system’s supply chain and proceeded with the transition even as the COVID-19 pandemic engulfed New England.

She immediately began looking at supply chain through a patient care lens by determining what clinicians need to provide better health outcomes. “It was much more focused on the contract than what we were contracting for and that needed to change,” she says.

See the spotlight on Lori’s career of leadership by reading the case study or check out the case study hub to find out how Vizient is helping other health systems deliver high-value, cost-effective care.

"The silver lining of the pandemic is now people have more understanding as to why supply chain is important."

Lori LeeLori Lee
Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations,
Yale New Haven Health

Partnering with Vizient to transition suppliers

The health system had been using the same medical/surgical distributor for thirty years. After the supply chain transition, there was a greater appreciation and understanding of the department systemwide. For her leadership, Lori Lee received a 2021 Carol Emmot Fellowship, recognizing women in healthcare leadership.

Along with handling the responsibilities of leading two departments and participating in a challenging fellowship program, Lee is involved in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout for Yale New Haven Health.

See how Lori is helping Yale New Haven Health stay focused on what clinicians need to provide outstanding patient care

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