In our Alumni Career Spotlight series, you will meet some of our alumni and learn about the important work they are doing to create a healthier nation and world.
Desmond Rader
Employer: IU Health
Current position: Strategic sourcing contract specialist, supply chain
Location: Plainfield, IN
Degree(s): BA, Political Science, 2021; MHA, 2023
Why did you choose your major/program?
My undergraduate degree was to prepare for law school, which I ended up not wanting to further pursue. I chose the MHA to work as an administrator in a health system as I felt it was an area I could make a positive impact with my legal and leadership background.
Briefly describe your career path.
I originally intended on a career in law, which I pursed through my political science BA and position as a paralegal in the Army Reserve. After volunteering with a medial philanthropy club, I made the switch to healthcare, which started at Methodist Hospital in guest relations. My next two positions were internships at Riley Hospital on the strategy team and after graduation I began my current position within supply chain.
Describe what an average day for you might be like.
I primarily work with portfolio managers to keep them on track with their contracts that provide the hospitals with the supplies they need, along with supporting in contracts where needed. I own a few initiatives such as the tracking and allocation of rebates tied to contracts or adding new suppliers to our network. I work with our portfolio managers to create amendments to contracts along with supporting in negotiations with said contracts. Lastly, I meet with clinical teams to make sure that supplies are both cost effective and of good quality for patient use.
What advice would you give your college self about pursuing your current career path or industry?
Your career path isn’t always the clearest, but each step along the way is going to be filled with learning that will greatly aid in helping you find what you enjoy.
What is a lesson learned at FSPH that you have been able to apply to your career?
Understanding the countless positions that go into running a healthcare facility have greatly helped me in working on strategic initiatives that touch all of these areas.
What is the most significant thing that’s happened to you since graduating?
The team that I am working on greatly pushes for building its employees. That coupled with IU Health’s young professional group have helped me make a far clearer path for my future.
What’s next for you?
My next step is focused around building experience in my current role to become a portfolio manager who negotiates and builds contracts with hospital vendors.
My long-term goal is to work in administration or strategy, potentially within supply chain for a hospital system that will likely also be in a different state due to wanting to move.
What is your favorite IUPUI/FSPH memory?
Participating in the NAHSE case competition was the most challenging yet rewarding part of my MHA experience. Although it was a tough month, the amount we learned from the beginning strategic steps to the end of operationalizing our plan and presenting it was immensely helpful for applying all that we had been learning.
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