International Supply Chain Day: Experience Paves the Way for Innovation

A culture of adaptability and collaboration

Over the past few years, the MUHC’s supply chain has undergone many changes. This transformation wouldn’t have been possible without the commitment, determination, and adaptability of our teams. Thanks to their open-mindedness and professionalism, they’ve embraced technological change—gradually integrating advanced digital tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), into their practices.

Today, these innovations enable:

• Better demand forecasting and a resilient supply chain that can withstand geopolitical fluctuations;
• Automated and optimized inventory management;
• Greater efficiency in internal distribution and delivery;
• Increased traceability of critical supplies;
• More efficient patient transport that improves the patient experience.

Nevertheless, behind all this innovation are, above all, the people who have been able to combine traditional knowledge with solutions for the future.

Octavio Lopez Montero, from the Procurement division, shared his experience and spoke about how the team works together to share knowledge between senior and junior members: "Since I joined the MUHC, I’ve been working with the constant challenge of adapting to changes based on the needs of the department and our clients. This would not have been possible without the collaboration of our teams, especially my colleague Alicia Drabek. Alicia has been with the MUHC for almost 27 years and has generously shared her expertise with me throughout my career here. Thanks to her, I remain confident about the future and the continuation of this close collaboration between teams."

Juan Pablo Molina Gil says this about him: “Octavio has a gift. He is the kind of colleague who brings people together. It's as if the laws of physics bend around him: somehow, when he's in the room, everything works and people are ready to rally behind him.”

Olena Kulishova, from the DigiTran division, under the leadership of Othmane Faroud, plays a key role in our success. With her in-depth knowledge of systems and tools, as well as her invaluable support, she contributes not only to the performance of the team, but also to that of everyone she works with. Her contribution is essential to achieving a high level of excellence and providing innovative solutions to support teams across the MUHC. 

"For more than twenty years, I have had the privilege of witnessing the remarkable transformation of supply chain operations. Once focused on manual processes, this field is now driven by digital technology: EDI, intelligent recognition, business intelligence, and, more recently, machine learning. But it's not just about automation. These technologies are redefining the way we work, freeing us from repetitive tasks so we can focus on what really matters: strategic, high-value initiatives. At DigiTran, we are proud to be at the forefront of this evolution. By harnessing the power of data and predictive analytics, we're not just improving efficiency—we're building the smart, agile supply chains of tomorrow that ultimately improve the care we offer to our patients.”

Within the Logistics division, John Theo, with 43 years of experience, is one of the pillars of the Procurement and Logistics Department. Responsible for patient transport, he plays a key role in ensuring smooth patient flow across our hospitals. 

“When I started working at the Montreal General Hospital,” John recalls, “Trudeau was the prime minister—Pierre, not Justin. I’ve worked in many departments and with very different people, but we’ve always been united by the same goal: to meet the needs of our patients, no matter the circumstances. Everyone should be proud of the essential work they do every day.”

John's deep institutional knowledge, calm leadership, and unmatched sense of humor have left a lasting impact on the MUHC’s culture—a culture built on collaboration, resilience, and unwavering determination.

During this recognition day, we want to highlight the exceptional commitment of the teams in the MUHC’s Procurement and Logistics Department.

The rigorous work of these teams, their agility, and their ability to innovate ensure that our supply chain remains focused on the needs of the care units. Every box delivered, every cart prepared, every logistical adjustment contributes directly to the quality of care provided to our patients.

Thank you to everyone who, day after day, ensures that nothing is missing so that care can be provided in the best possible conditions.