Shaping the future of supply chain.
By Kathryn DiBitetto, Vice President, Government Affairs
Healthcare distribution is not just a career: it’s a calling. The professionals who keep the medical supply chain running ensure that when care is needed, the right products are in the right place at the right time. It is a purpose-driven profession, and for students seeking meaningful careers, it offers a pathway to make an impact on patients’ lives.
That is why HIDA is excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Medical Supply Chain Emerging Leaders: Campus Edition Program. This initiative identifies and supports college students who are passionate about healthcare distribution, logistics, and supply chain management – and who want to be part of shaping the future of this critical industry.
Building on momentum
The 2024 and 2025 cohorts included students from leading universities across the country, many of whom brought international experience, unique academic backgrounds, and deeply personal reasons for pursuing careers in healthcare supply chain.
Past participants have praised the program for the impact it has had on their career paths:
- “My life changed drastically when I began experiencing severe heart issues that required immediate surgery. Due to delays in the healthcare system, I had to wait six months for the procedure. This experience shifted my perspective and ignited my passion for entering the medical field.”
– Student from North Carolina A&T University
- “I consider healthcare to be one of the most important supply chain fields to exist presently. The consumers are patients, not customers. If a particular medical product is not delivered to the hospital on time, the patient will have to suffer for it, especially with their lives on the line.” – Student from Wayne State University
- “The seamless care I received as a child relied on efficient supply chain management to ensure that patients like me received the right care at the right time.” – Student from Western Michigan University
Looking ahead to 2026
This year, HIDA continues its outreach to a greater number of schools and more diverse group of students, expanding the reach of our workforce development efforts and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
These students will attend HIDA’s 2026 MedSupplyChain Conference, in Dallas. Emerging Leaders will gain access to exclusive panel discussions and invaluable networking with senior executives shaping the industry. We encourage you to seek out and connect with these future leaders.
If you know a promising student with a passion for healthcare distribution, encourage them to apply. Applications for the 2026 program are open through October 31, 2025, at jobs.hida.org.