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For Immediate Release

APICS Announces the 2006 Health Care Materials Management Symposium

Alexandria, VA (August 30, 2006) APICS The Association for Operations Management today announced the first ever APICS Health Care Materials Management Symposium. The symposium for materials managers and clinicians, including nurses, in the health care sector will provide practical education to solve the supply chain challenges that hospitals, emergency rooms, and private practices face. The symposium will be held at the Peabody Hotel in Orlando, Florida, on October 30, 2006, in conjunction with the 2006 APICS International Conference and Exposition.

The keynote speaker for the symposium, Dr. Eugene S. Schneller will present “Clockspeed in the Hospital,” exploring the way in which technology and competition are increasing the speed with which health care is delivered. Schneller, who authored the book “Strategic Management of the Health Care Supply Chain,” is a professor in the School of Health Management and Policy at the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. He has previously served as counselor to the President on health professions education and has served two terms on the Arizona Medicaid advisory committee. Schneller has conducted seminars on hospital strategic planning, career development and change for physicians. Additionally, he has served as a consultant on the restructuring of the Veteran’s Administration into vertically integrated systems of care. He has held various teaching, research and administrative positions at the University of Colorado, Union College, Albany Medical College, Columbia University, the State University of New York, Duke University, and Duke University Medical Center.

Joseph Schriever, manager of enterprise IT sourcing for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission will present “Supply Chain Management in Health Care Operations.” Schriever was formerly the director of materials management for the Texas Department of Health. He will speak on the challenge of supply chain management in health care operations, dealing with everything from controlled pharmaceuticals to hazardous waste materials and will focus on how using information technology to support lean concepts can result in substantial cost savings and increased efficiencies.

Ray Casey, MPA, C.P.M., materials management specialist at WakeMed Health and Hospitals in Raleigh, North Carolina will present “After the Low-Hanging Fruit: What’s Next?” Casey will address negotiating good discounts, utilizing Just-in-Time where appropriate, and making the most of the technology at your disposal. This session will also focus on specific steps health care supply chain leaders can take to improve their operations and positively affect their organization’s bottom line.

Another session will explore the lean methodologies that can be used in health care operations to eliminate waste and increase visibility of supplies. All attendees will receive complimentary admission to the APICS Exhibit Hall, showcasing software and systems solutions in materials management. Lunch will be provided for all attendees in the Orange County Convention Center where Dr. Eugene S. Schneller wrap up be available to sign copies of his book. The symposium will close with a panel discussion focusing on the future of materials management in health care operations, and the emerging trends that will affect the industry.

Registration information and details about the 2006 APICS International Conference and Exposition can be found at www.apicsconference.org .

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About APICS The Association for Operations Management
APICS The Association for Operations Management is the global leader and premier source of the body of knowledge in operations management, including production, inventory, supply chain, materials management, purchasing, and logistics. Since 1957, individuals and companies have relied on APICS for its superior training, internationally recognized certifications, comprehensive resources, and worldwide network of accomplished industry professionals.