It used to be that I'd find myself making small talk at a social event and have to describe, in detail, what I did for a living. Five short years ago, supply chain in healthcare was not something people knew much about. Today, everybody knows (or think they know) my business. They likely also have some media-inspired opinions about how well I do my job.

Not all bad, in my opinion. The attention, good, bad or otherwise, has helped to highlight the value of our profession. Now the challenge is to "talent up" to meet the demand and improve our wherewithal.

It is also true that five years ago there were fewer universities that had supply chain programs. Today, most business schools include supply chain in their curriculum and many offer degrees in supply chain management. As a result, universities are seeking industries to focus on, conduct research and develop expertise. Healthcare needs be at that table.

At Trinity Health, we have formal relationships with thirteen different universities. The engagements run the gambit from episodic project work, providing data and context for research, conducting guest lectures, serving on curricula advisory boards, internships, management fellowships and judging case competitions. What started as a talent acquisition strategy, quickly became a talent retention strategy. The young professionals on our team have really enjoyed the university engagement and cite it as a very positive aspect of their employment.

The student case competitions are a growing aspect of our engagement and something I have become rather passionate about. As I look to retirement later this year, I have been putting some energy into developing a Healthcare Supply Chain Student Case Competition.

We've held two successful events here in Michigan and are looking to build the program up nationally.

Now when I find myself making small talk at a social event, I evangelize on what a great place healthcare supply chain is to work. Ideally motivating interest in our profession. The reward for a job well done is a contribution to the health and well-being for those in the communities that we serve. Very purposeful work, for those considering a course of study.

Ed Hisscock, Bellwether Class of 2022, recently retired as senior vice president, Supply Chain Management, Trinity Health.